“Far from it, ma’am,” I returned.

“Far from it,” assented Miss Murdstone. “I do not wish to revive the memory of past differences, or of past outrages. I have received outrages from a person⁠—a female I am sorry to say, for the credit of my sex⁠—who is not to be mentioned without scorn and disgust; and therefore I would rather not mention her.”

I felt very fiery on my aunt’s account; but I said it would certainly be better, if Miss Murdstone pleased, not to mention her. I could not hear her disrespectfully mentioned, I added, without expressing my opinion in a decided tone.

Miss Murdstone shut her eyes, and disdainfully inclined her head; then, slowly opening her eyes, resumed: