is--I really can't go back to England."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Why there's--a--a dreadful person there," said Minnie, with an awful
look in her eyes.

"A what?"

"A--person," said Minnie.

"A man?"

Minnie nodded. "Oh yes--of course. Really when one thinks of one's
troubles it's enough to drive one distracted. This person is a man. I
don't know why it is that I should be _so_ worried and _so_ distracted
by men. I do _not_ like them, and I wish there were no such persons."

"Another man!" said Mrs. Willoughby, in some surprise. "Well, Minnie,
you certainly--"

"Now don't, don't--not a word; I know all you're going to say, and I
won't stand it;" and Minnie ran over to her sister and held her hand
over her mouth.

"I won't say a word," said Mrs. Willoughby, as soon as she had removed
Minnie's hand; "so begin."

Minnie resumed her place on the sofa, and gave a long sigh.