“I wish, Olga, that you were a better judge of common sense, and of the courtesy due to my opinions.  I can tell you we are likely to see trouble enough with this high-tempered girl added to the family circle.”

“Why, she has not Lucretia-coloured tresses like my own lovely-spun gold?  I thought her hair looked very black.”

“I will warrant it is not half as black as her disposition.  She looked absolutely diabolical when she pretended to march out into the world, playing the role of injured, persecuted innocence.”

“Now, mamma!  She is decidedly the prettiest piece of diabolism I ever saw.  Elliott, what do you think of her?”

“That some day she will be a most astonishing beauty.  Can you recollect that lovely green and white cameo pin set with diamonds that Tiffany had last spring?  Ned Bartlett bought it for his wife the day they started to Saratoga.  Well, this girl is exactly like that exquisite white cameo head; I noticed the likeness as soon as I saw her.  But she needs polish, city training, society marks, and her clothes are at least two seasons old in style.  I think too your mother is quite right in believing she has a will of her own.  She was really in earnest, and would have walked out, if Farley had not come to the rescue.  Olga, what are you laughing at?”

“I am anticipating the sport in store for me when her will and Erle Palma’s come in conflict.  Won’t the sparks fly!  We shall have a domestic shower of meteors to enliven our daily dull routine!  You know the stately and august head of this establishment savours of Fitz-James, and in all matters of controversy acts fully out what Scott only dreamed: 

’Come one, come all! this rock shall fly
From its firm base, as soon as I!’

I daresay it is his terrapin habit that helps Erle Palma to his great success as a lawyer; when he once takes hold, he never lets go.  Now, mamma, if you do not hoist a white flag as far as that poor girl is concerned, I shall certainly ask your wary stepson to give her a sprig of phryxa from Mount Brixaba.  Do you understand, Elliott?”

“Of course not I rarely do understand you when you begin your spiteful challenges.  Now, Olga, I always preserve an unarmed neutrality, so do let me alone.”

He made a deprecating gesture, and put on his hat.

“Free schools and universal education is one of my spavined hobbies, and a brief canter for your improvement in classic lore would be charitable, so I proceed:  Agatho the Samian says that in the Scythian Brixaba grows the herb phryxa (hating the wicked), which especially protects step children; and whenever they are in danger from a stepmother (observe the antiquity of Stepmotherly characteristics!) the phryxa gives them warning by emitting a bright flame.  You see Erle Palma remembers his classics, and early in life turned his attention to the cultivation of phryxa, which flourishes——­”