Josephine smiled; she could appreciate this argument. The journey was discussed--the expenses, dress, appearance, etc. Ida sat by, taciturn and unconsulted. She had a motive in remaining. Finally, she contrived to throw in a word. "I wish to inform you of _my_ arrangements for the summer, sir, if you have time to listen." "Yours! they are the same as ours, of course. Do you imagine that I would permit my daughter to travel without a female companion, or give her an advantage, you are not to share!" The latter clause was so clearly an afterthought, and dove-tailed so oddly with its antecedent, that Ida's smile was almost a sneer. "I am sorry, sir, that you are disappointed in your calculations; but as Josephine has a maid, I do not deem my attendance indispensable. If I leave town, I shall go in another direction, unless you positively forbid it." "And what place is to be honored by your preference? May I presume to ask?" "I shall go home with Miss Carleton." "Ahem! I comprehend. I should have anticipated this from your overpowering intimacy. You have played your cards badly, Josephine. Why have you not ingratiated yourself with some 'divine creature,' who has a rich papa? It is a capital means of extending one's acquaintance, and sparing one's purse. How long do you intend to sponge--to remain, I mean, with _your friend_, Miss Ross?" "I may not return before Christmas. I hear that the holidays are celebrated with much style and festivity, in the country," she replied. Mr. Read suppressed something very like an oath, at her calm assurance. "When do you go?" "Next Monday. Dr. Carleton is expected daily. Did I understand you to say, that you did not object?" "Confound it! what do I care where, or when you go?" "Oh Carry!" apostrophized Ida, shutting herself in her room. "Even you could not be charitable and forbearing here. It is hard! hard!" "That is unquestionably the most wrong-headed girl I know," said Mr. Read, to his daughter. "I am heartily glad she is not going with us," was the answer. "She would be of no use to me, and an additional care to you." "Maybe so, maybe not. Her travelling expenses would not have come out of my pocket; and there are advantages, sometimes, in having two ladies, a larger and better room, and such like; you pay the same price, and have twice the value of your money. You understand?" "I don't care. I had rather sleep upon a pallet in a loft, by myself, than in the handsomest room in the house, with her for a room-mate. It frets me, though to see her airs! I wish the law allowed you absolute control." "It won't do with her. If she suspected a design on my part to abridge her liberties, or defraud her of her dues, she would as lief enter a complaint against me as not. She has the temper of the Evil One; and watch as you may, will get the bit between her teeth."