She knew not what to make of her niece,
who had suddenly become stern and contradictious.
This tendency on Catherine's part was presently even more apparent.
"You had much better not make any more appointments with Mr.
Townsend," she said. "I don't think it is right."
Mrs. Penniman rose with considerable majesty. "My poor child, are
you jealous of me?" she inquired.
"Oh, Aunt Lavinia!" murmured Catherine, blushing.
"I don't think it is your place to teach me what is right."
On this point Catherine made no concession. "It can't be right to
deceive."
"I certainly have not deceived YOU!"
"Yes; but I promised my father--"
"I have no doubt you promised your father. But I have promised him
nothing!"
Catherine had to admit this, and she did so in silence. "I don't
believe Mr. Townsend himself likes it," she said at last.
"Doesn't like meeting me?"
"Not in secret."
"It was not in secret; the place was full of people."
"But it was a secret place--away off in the Bowery."
Mrs. Penniman flinched a little. "Gentlemen enjoy such things," she
remarked presently. "I know what gentlemen like."
"My father wouldn't like it, if he knew."
"Pray, do you propose to inform him?" Mrs. Penniman inquired.
"No, Aunt Lavinia. But please don't do it again."
"If I do it again, you will inform him: is that what you mean? I do
not share your dread of my brother; I have always known how to defend
my own position.
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