"There, you see!" exclaimed Marjory, triumphantly; "there is a proof of the way we are dealt with, the indignities they put upon women! Neither Lewis nor Ralph would have the public spirit to resist such a thing as this. Oh! I can answer for Ralph, and I know Lewis would not. But one can be quite sure of Mrs. Catherine--one is never disappointed in her. Yet you will hear silly boys sneer at her, and think her estate would be better in their feeble hands, than in her own strong ones. I ask you, what do you think of that, Anne Ross--can you see no injustice there?" "Injustice?" said Anne, laughing. "No, indeed, only a great, deal of foolishness and nonsense; both on the part of the silly boys, and--I beg your pardon, Marjory--on yours, for taking the trouble of repeating what they say." "Oh, very well!" said Miss Falconer, coloring still more violently, yet, with characteristic obstinacy plunging on in the expression of her pet opinions. "Yes! I know you think me very unwomanly; you pretend to be proper, Anne Ross--to set that sweet confection of gentleness, and mildness, and dependence, which people call a perfect woman, up as your model; but it's all a cheat, I tell you! You ought to try to be weak and pretty, and instead of that, you are only grave and sensible. You ought to be clinging to Lewis, as sweet and timid as possible; instead of that, you are very independent, and not much given, I fancy, to consulting your younger brother. You're not true, Anne Ross; you think with me, and are only quiet to cover it." "Hush!" said Anne; "do not be so very profane, Marjory.--Do you remember how the Apostle describes it; those words that charm one's ear like music, 'the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.' Are not the very sounds beautiful? Mildness and gentleness are exceeding good things; but I do not set any sweet confection before me, for my model. Marjory! do you remember those other beautiful words; 'Strength and honor are her clothing; she opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her lips is the law of kindness?' There is nothing weak about that, and yet that seems to me a perfectly womanly woman." Marjory Falconer did not answer.