Page:Ann Veronica, a modern love story.djvu/48

 "That's the point. I asked him why, and he hadn't a reason."

"You asked your father for a reason!" said Miss Miniver, with great intensity.

"Yes. I tried to have it out with him, but he wouldn't have it out.  "Ann Veronica reflected for an instant "That's why I think I ought to come."

"You asked your father for a reason!" Miss Miniver repeated.

"We always have things out with our father, poor dear!" said Hetty. "He's got almost to like it."

"Men," said Miss Miniver, "never have a reason. Never! And they don't know it!  They have no idea of it.  It's one of their worst traits, one of their very worst."

"But I say, Vee," said Constance, "if you come and you are forbidden to come there'll be the deuce of a row."

Ann Veronica was deciding for further confidences. Her situation was perplexing her very much, and the Widgett atmosphere was lax and sympathetic, and provocative of discussion. "It isn't only the dance," she said.

"There's the classes," said Constance, the well-informed.

"There's the whole situation. Apparently I'm not to exist yet. I'm not to study, I'm not to grow.  I've got to stay at home and remain in a state of suspended animation."

"Dusting!" said Miss Miniver, in a sepulchral voice.

"Until you marry, Vee," said Hetty.

"Well, I don't feel like standing it."