wheedling?"

MISS SPAULDING, going to the piano and opening it: "Try courage; try
self-respect."

MISS REED: "Oh, dear! when I haven't a morsel of either. Are you
going to practise, you cruel maid?"

MISS SPAULDING: "Of course I am. It's half-past four, and if I
don't do it now I sha'n't be prepared to-morrow for Miss Robins: she
takes this piece."

MISS REED: "Well, well, perhaps it's all for the best. If music be
the food of--umph-ump!--you know what!--play on." They both laugh,
and Miss Spaulding pushes back a little from the piano, and wheels
toward her friend, letting one hand rest slightly on the keys.

MISS SPAULDING: "Ethel Reed, you're the most ridiculous girl in the
world."

MISS REED: "Correct!"

MISS SPAULDING: "And I don't believe you ever were in love, or ever
will be."

MISS REED: "Ah, there you wrong me, Henrietta! I have been, and I
shall be--lots of times."

MISS SPAULDING: "Well, what do you want to say now? You must hurry,
for I can't lose any more time."