Omaha daily bee., 1897-01-17


ious to do her duty to all. harassed by two
such ungovernabe persons since the world
began? she asked herself. But for once she
made exactly the remark to cope with the
situation.
THE time has come sooner than l eN-
pected. Your father has forbidden you to go
to the office and when he sees that you have
disobeyed him at such a time this he will
be furious. Then you will know what / have
to stand"
The impetuous girl paused in her prepara-
tions.
"Then why do you exasperate me beyond
endurance by refusing to tell me what hap
pened?"
81 refusel refuse you nothing. Better
would it have been for me II 1 had when you
were younger; then you would think twice
before you flung all obedience to the winds.
You have only to ask what you want to
know, and listen with patience while 1t is
told to you"
81 have asked you a dozen times"
How you do exaggeraLe! | call 1t exag-
geration. although | might perhaps be for
given for using a harsher term. EXactitude
OF statement is more"
"Wlll you tell me- or shall l go?"
Have not just said that l will tell you
anything? What is it you want to know?
Your own ridiculous conduct has driven
everything out OF my head"
"You said my father had defed the men
and was in danger yesterday
"Oh, that! After seeing the police guard
Mr.. Hope and Mr.. Monkton through the law
less mob, what must your father do but
show how brave he wes compared with his
supeIdors. He came out of the gates alone,
and walked through the mob
what did lie say?"
"He didn't say anything"
Then how did he defy the menu
mi Iyn1a
When men are driven to extremites, surely
his coming out among them-and he the
cause of it all-was defiance enough. But
a full account is in the paper | bought at
the station; 1t lis on the hall table, where
you would have seen 1t If you could have
kept your temper. Read IL II you want to.
1t is not me you are dsobeylng when you
do so. Remember, 1t was your father who
did not want you to see the paper"
The day proved long one to Edna Sart-
well, and when her father did not return
at the usual hour, she became more and
more anxious. Her stepmother said nothing
about the delay, as the hours passed, but
began to assume that air OF patient resig-
nation which became her so well. Dinner
was served to the minute, and at the ac-
customed moment the table was cleared.
Once or twice she chiGed Edna for her
restessness and regretted she had to speak,
but was compelled to do so, because the
good example she herself set was palpably
unappreclated. At last she said:
Edna. go to bed | will wait UP for your
father"
HE is sure to be home soon. Please let
me wait until he comes"
There was silence for few minutes.
II don't wish to ask you twice, Edna.
You heard what said"
please do not send me away until father
comes. l am so anxiousi Let me sit up
instead of you. / can't sleep IL l do go to
had Won't lpt M q ait in DlaceY'
The martyred look came into the thin face
OF her stepmother-the look which told OF
trials uncomplainingly borne
81 have always sat up for your father, and
always shall, so long as we are spared to
each other. For the third time ask you to
go to bed"
The girl sat where she was, the red flag
of rebellion in her cheek. The CLINT OF sup
pressed anger in Mrs. Sartwell's eye showed
that a point had been reached where one or
the other of them had to leave the room de-
feated. The elder woman exhibited her for
bearance by speaking in the same level tone
throughout.
do you intend to obey me, Edna?"
mo, | do not"
Mrs. Sartwell went on with her sewing. a
little straighter in the back, perhaps, but not |
otherwise visibly disturbed by the unjusti-
fable conduct of the girl. In each instance
after Edna's prompt replies there was ST. |
lence for few moments.
I'm the earlier part of the day. Edna you |
permitted yourself to speak to me and act |
toward me in a manner which | hoped you |
would regret when opportunity for reflection !
was given; l expected some expression of
contrition from you. Have you reflected,
Edna?'
Eyes"
Mrs Sartwel threaded her needle with
almost excessive deliberaton
"And what has been the result?"
THAT | was pleased to think / had said
nothing hargher than | did,
The ticking of the tall clock on the land
Ing echoed through the house. Edna listened
intently for quick, firm step on the gravel,
but all outside was silent.
added to your-if | use the word inso-
lence it is because ! can think OF no other
term with which to characterize the remarks
you have addressed to me-added to your
insolence is now dsobedionce. II | am
pleased than 1 to be corrected, in the proper
spirit"
81 have no desire to correct you"
After npping the thread with her teeth
and drawing a deep, wavering sigh. Mrs
Sartwel said:
In every household, Edna some one
must command and others obey. When my
time comes | shall gladly lay down the bur-
den OF what poor authority Is delegated to
me- but until that time comes, | shall be
mistress in my own house. Your father
freely and OF his own choice gave me that
and he, not you. Is the proper
person to revoke 1t, II 1t pleases him to do
So l shall, therefore, say nothing more until
he returns. Then he must choose between
us. II you are 10 he mistress here | shall
bow my head without word, and leave this
house. praying that peace and every bless 1
Ing may remain within It,"
Something OF the self-sacrinclng resgna-
lion breathing through these measured words /
must have touched the hardened heart of the
girl, for she buried her face In her hands
md began to weep-a certain sign OF defeat. ,
But she evidently determined not to give her !
the satisfaction fairly won by so
admirable q dissertation upon the correct
conduct OF well-ordered household.
ut is always poor father" she sobbed.
With all the trouble and anxiety already on
lis mind he must be worried when he comes
nome by our miserable squabbes."
81 never squabble. Edna. Neither do | :
'yer use such an undlgnihed word. Where
'ou got ii I'm sure ! do not know, but
I was not from me- II you wish your father !
lot to be troubled, then you should act so |
hat II would not be necessary to appeal
o him II Is no wish OF mine to add to
lis cares-far otherwise, Are you ready to
hey me now?"
"Yes." .
The girl rose and went rather uncertainty /
o the door. her eyes filled with tears. $
you have not kissed me goodnight. J
edna" a
She kissed her stcpmother on the cheek Il
nd went to her room. flinging herself, | n
ressed as she was, on her bed sohblng. 5