n't think how it is you dare speak to me in that way; and, what is
worse, attribute to me such ill-natured remarks.'

'Now, mother dear, don't bother, perhaps I did exaggerate. I am very
sorry. But, there's a dear, sit down, and we won't say any more about
it.'

'You do annoy one, May, and I believe you do it on purpose. And you know
exactly what will be disagreeable to say, and you say it,' replied Mrs.
Gould; and she raised her skirt so as to let the heat of the fire into
her petticoats.

'Thank God that's over,' May whispered to Alice; 'but what were we
talking about?'

'I think you were making out a list of the Galway spinsters,' said
Alice, who could not help feeling a little amused, though she was sorry
for Mrs. Gould.

'So we were,' cried May; 'we were speaking of the Brennans. Do you know
their friends the Duffys? There are five of them. That's a nice little
covey of love-birds; I don't think they would fly away if they saw a
sportsman coming into the field.'

'I never heard a girl talk like that,' murmured Mrs. Gould, without
raising her face from the fire, 'that wasn't punished for it. Perhaps,
my lady, you will find it hard enough to suit yourself. Wait until you
have done two or three Castle seasons. We'll see how you'll speak then.'

Without paying any attention to these maternal forebodings, May
continued:

'Then there are Lord Rosshill's seven daughters; they are all maidens,
and are likely to remain so.'

'Are they all unmarried?' asked Alice.

'Of course they are!' exclaimed Mrs. Gould; 'how could they be anything
else? Didn't they all want to marry people in their father's position?
And that wasn't possible. There're seven Honourable Miss Gores, and one
Lord Rosshill--so they all remained in single blessedness.'

'Who's making ill-natured remarks now?' exclaimed May triumphantly.

'I am not making ill-natured remarks; I am only saying what's true. My
advice to young girls is that they should be glad to have those who will
take them. If they can't make a good marriage let them make a bad
marriage; for, believe me, it is far better to be minding your own
children than your sister's or your brother's children. And I can assure
you, in these days of competition, it is no easy matter to get settled.'

'It is the same now as ever it was, and there are plenty of nice young
men. It doesn't prove, because a whole lot of old sticks of things can't
get married, that I shan't.'

'I didn't say you