"
"That has been entirely your own fault," Mrs. Hannay said. "You
have always been headstrong and determined to go your own way, you
have never been fit to be seen when anyone came, you have thwarted
me in every way."
"I am very sorry, mamma. I think I might have been better if you
had had a little more patience with me, but even now if you really
wish me to stay at home I will do so. I can write again to uncle
and tell him that I have changed my mind."
"Certainly not," Mrs. Hannay said. "Naturally I should wish to have
my children with me, but I doubt whether your being here would be
for the happiness of any of us, and besides, I do not wish your
uncle's money to go out of the family; he might take it into his
head to leave it to a hospital for black women. Still, it would
have been only right and proper that he should at any rate have
given Helena the first choice. As for your instant acceptance of
his offer, without even consulting me, nothing can surprise me in
that way after your general conduct towards me."
However, although Mrs. Hannay declined to take any interest in
Isobel's preparations, and continued to behave as an injured person,
neither she nor Helena were sorry at heart for the arrangement
that had been made. They objected very strongly to Isobel's plan
of going out as a governess; but upon the other hand, her presence
at home would in many ways have been an inconvenience. Two can
make a better appearance on a fixed income than three can, and her
presence at home would have necessitated many small economies.
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