She gave them a quick glance, sat down, and said briskly:— “I may as well tell you at once that if you think you are going to treat me like poor little Sophy, you’re very much mistaken.” “I am not aware—” began the colonel stiffly, but Anne cut him short. “It won’t be the very least bit of good trying to bully me,” she announced. “We have not the least intention—” the colonel tried again, and still more stiffly, and again Anne cut him short. “The poor kid’s so scared,” she said, “she can’t get a word out. Just sits and soaks into her handkerchief.” “If you are suggesting—” “I’m not like that,” Anne told him. “You won’t reduce me to a state of speechless tears.” “Madam—” began the colonel, and his voice was certainly both loud and stern. “It’s no good shouting at me,”
