"Oh, please don't quarrel about me. Let me go home, and then all will

be well," Maddy cried, feeling, at that moment, more averse to leaving

Aikenside than she could have thought it possible.

"We shall not quarrel, but I shall have my way; meanwhile go to your

room and stay there until told that I have sent for you."

They went to the house together, but separated in the hall; Maddy

repairing to her room, while Guy sought Mrs. Agnes. The moment she saw

his face she knew a storm was coming, but was not prepared for the

biting sarcasm and bitter reproaches heaped upon her by one who, when

roused, was a perfect hurricane.

Maybe she had forgotten what she was when his father married her, he

said, but he had not, and he remembered well the wonder expressed by

many that his father should stoop to marry a poor school teacher.

"Yes, that's what you were, madam, much as you despise Maddy Clyde for

being a governess; you were one once yourself, and before that time

mercy knows what you were--a hired girl, perhaps--your present airs

would seem to warrant as much!"

Guy was in a sad passion by this time, and failed to note the effect

his last words had on Agnes, who turned livid with rage and terror;

but smothering down her wrath, she said beseechingly: "Pray, Guy, do not be so angry; I know I am foolish about some things,

and proud people who 'come up' as you say always are, I guess; I know

that marrying your father made me what I am, but everybody does not

know it, and it is not necessary they should. I don't remember exactly

what I did say to this Clyde girl, but I thought it would be

pleasanter for you, pleasanter for us all, not to have her always

around; it seems she has presided at the table when Dr. Holbrook was

here to tea, and even you can't think that quite right."

"I don't know why," and at mention of Dr. Holbrook Guy's temper burst

out again. "Agnes, you can't deceive me; I know the secret of your

abominable treatment of Maddy Clyde is jealousy."

"Guy--jealous, I jealous of that child;" and Agnes' voice was

expressive of the utmost consternation.

"Yes, jealous of that child; you think that because the doctor has

been kind to her, perhaps he wants her some time for his wife. I hope

he does; I mean to help it on; I'll tell him to have her, and if he

don't I'll almost marry her myself!" and Guy paced up and down the

parlor, chafing and foaming like a young lion.




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