The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-08-05

rest ofit?" suggested Sophie exasperated
beyond endurance.
hi Allan made her no answer, except to
shut the door heavily behind him.
Sophie sat still-too wretched 70 cry,
even to nk-only conscious of a duh
pain, as of a load that was crushing her
to tho earth. 4 hand was laid on her
shoulder, and a voice sounded in her ear
that made her start, it vas that of France.
What's the matter, Sophie?" ct was
the first time she had ever called her any-
thing but Mrs. Faulkner.) e They've been
at you again, you needn't deny it. Can't
| see? I've got my senses, | suppose, as
well as other people; and it don't take
much to see.that ma is killing you Allan is
fool enough to hel p her. OH know she
tried it with Kate and me; but we very
soon rcbelled-as you would do if you lad
any spirit
Nv When you are revilel, reyile not again "
said Sophie, softly.
"les, know; and it is all very well i
you can do it-aud | believe YOU do-mlI
that's why like You, though did once
think | never could, but you are at his
command to be a fool, and let your house
be mismanaged, your husband soured,
yourself made miserable, and your child
ruined
"But Allan is entirely dependent"
Its no such thing interrupted Fran
ces, warmly; "and if ma told YOU so, it's
just another of her fibs. PAS left us all
equal portions, and Allan has enough 10
live handsomely. Ma has no more right
to interfere in your affairs thanl have; and
if you are wise, you'll send Julia out of the
house and rule yourself. Good night!
No; don't want to see the baby-ittla
red squalling thing. Good night. and re
member what | say.'
Next morning, came a message from
Mrs Faulkner:
"Mrs. FauIkner's compliments, and she
would like TO have the baby brought over
as soon as possible"
This was one of Sophies' daily trials
The child was regularly sent for, though
she herself was never invited. Its clothes
criticised, its nurse cross questioned, and
itself teased till unmanageable when it
was sent home for Sophie to still, and q
new chapter for Allan's edification.
Julia had already ordered the nurse to
get the baby ready-what then was her as
tonishment when Sophie said, quietly:
>, lou will not take the baby around to-
day. Eliza, Julia, YOU may tell Mrs.
Faulkner that it is not convenient"
This however, was but the beginning OF
wonders. Sophie, who had hitherto care
fully avoided the kitchen, made a descent
into these awful regions; and though actu-
ally trembling at her own audacity, de-
manded the keys OF Julia.
"And what for, num-" demanded that
functionary, bristling up. Didn't tho
madam give me the keys herself, and
havn't always
"Give me the keys" repeated Sophie,
calmly, just as Mrs. Faulkner herself en-
terel the kitchen, in a state resembling
that Of an enraged turkey-cock.
"What's all this about" she demanded.
''And what do you mean, Mrs. Allan, by
not sending the baby? l am not accus-
toned to have my messages received in
| this Manner
at was not convenient"
"When | send for people / expect them
to make it convenient"
Sophie turned away to give some order
to the amazed cook.
NVhat is all this about the keys" per
sisted Mrs. Faulkner.
81 choose to take them" answered So
phie, suddenly facing round; that is all
| am extremely obliged to you, also, for
Julia, but cannot think longer Of dcprivin%
you Of services which you have So often
assured me were invaluable. | have en-
gagged some one to take her place; and
whist | think Of it, Mrs. Faulkner, | viii
trouble you for the key to the spare room.
| expect my sister shortly to spend the
summer"
Mrs. Faulkner was absolutely speech
less with rage and astonishment She
saw that Sophie was firm, and her only
resource lay in complaining to Allan,
which she hastened to do-relatng the
whole matter in the most exaggerated
terms.
When, however, after a month passed
under the new regime, that gentleman
found his expenses diminished and his do
mestic comfort materially increased, he
altogether declined to Interfere; and tho
Mrs Faulkner prophesied all manner Of
evil, and Kate exhausted her wit on So
plie and her housekeeping, that little per
sonage lie, er regretted the time when She
became ''the head of her own household"