"Thank you," said Mrs. Thornton. "I do not feel that my very natural liking for the place where I was born and brought up,--and which has since been my residence for some years, requires any accounting for."
Margaret was vexed. As Fanny had put it, it did seem as if they had been impertinently discussing Mrs. Thornton's feelings; but she also rose up against that lady's manner of showing that she was offended.
Mrs. Thornton went on after a moment's pause:
"Do you know anything of Milton, Miss Hale? Have you seen any of our factories? our magnificent warehouses?"

'Thank you,' said Mrs. Thornton. 'I do not feel that my very natural liking for the place where I was born and brought up requires any accounting for.'
Margaret was vexed. Fanny made it sound as if they had been impertinently discussing Mrs. Thornton's feelings; but she also resented that lady's manner.
Mrs. Thornton went on: 'Do you know anything of Milton, Miss Hale? Have you seen any of our factories? our magnificent warehouses?'
