Read "The Pelicans" by E.M. Delafield online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
"I'm an impulsive creature," declared Bertha, in despite of the protesting eyebrows which Mrs. Severing instantly erected at the assertion. "It was an impulse that made me allow Francie to accept Sybil Argent's invitation, and I don't mind owning that it was a mistaken one. The child came back more tiresomely self-righteous than she went, and now -- as you know -- we've practically consented to the whole business."
"Of course, darling," said Nina tenderly, "I do _not_ look upon it in the light that you do, but at the same time, you know, if I had once said _no_ to a child of mine, _no_ it should remain. Nothing is more fatal than a half-consent, to my mind."