Edith's voice was icy, but Mrs. Hugh was not daunted by her niece's obvious, though controlled annoyance. "No," she said briskly, "I'm going now. I suppose it's only natural you should resent what I've said, but think it over, Edith; there's something in it." Mrs. Hugh retired in good trim, but Edith was unable to sooth the sting left by her criticism. "By the way, Rodney," she began at dinner, "Aunt Sarah was at tea to-day, and I thought her manner most odd." "How do you mean, 'odd'? She always seems to me to be full of common sense." "Well, first of all she asked to see the portrait, and then quite suddenly she attacked me about putting myself on a pedestal and expecting too much from them." "That sounds very unlike her; she doesn't often butt in." "I certainly consider that she did to-day. And as a matter of fact, Rodney, I've thought once or twice that she and your mother are both a little sneering and contemptuous about the way I bring up the children." "Absolute rot I call that. Mother's simply devoted to all three of them." "Yes, but that's not the point," objected Edith. "I know she likes the children, but I'm not sure that she approves of my attitude to them." "I don't know anything about that," said Rodney uncomfortably. "No, but don't you see it's a little hard on me? I have always had such a high ideal of motherhood. I've always tried to live up to it, and I do feel I'm justified so far by the results, but neither your mother nor your Aunt Sarah looks at is quite fairly." "I think it's a bit difficult for them to appreciate all you do for the kids. Outsiders can only see that you do rather expect all three of them to bow down and worship you, don't you Edith?" Rodney's words were softened by his smile, but Edith's calm was shattered. "You're most unjust," she said hotly and confusedly. "I've never had any idea of such a thing. It's a ridiculous phrase to use to me, simply because I hope for a little love and faith from my children, and because I try to influence them in what I think is the right direction. But you will never take it seriously enough, Rodney; it's a constant grief to me that you take their upbringing so lightly." "Now that is unfair, Edith. I think a lot about their education, but while they are still in the nursery they are in your hands. However, now the point has arisen I might as well say that I do think it would be better if you left them alone a bit more." "Rodney!" Edith's voice was trembling with anger. "What do you mean?" "I think they ought to be allowed to think things out for themselves sometimes, and not have to tell you everything and have you discuss it with them. Geoffrey especially; he's quite a big fellow now, he oughtn't to be tied to your apron-strings any longer." Edith rose and pushed back her chair.