Flossy wanted to have the control of family matters herself.

"But I believe in 'Woman's Rights,'" said Annie, with a toss of the
head, "and if there's anything I despise, it is a _man_ meddling about
the house."

Here little Dotty began to cause a disturbance, by sticking a
fruit-knife into the edges of the "what-not," and making a whirring
noise.

"I wouldn't do so, Dotty," said Susy, going up to her; "it troubles us;
and, besides, I'm afraid it will break the knife."

"I don't allow my hired girl to interfere with my children," said
Annie, speaking up in the character of Mrs. Piper; "I am mistress of the
house, I'd have you to know! There, little daughter, they shan't plague
her; she shall keep on doing mischief; so she shall!"

Dotty needed no coaxing to keep on doing mischief, but hit the musical
knife harder than ever, giving it a dizzy motion, like the clapper in a
mill.

Prudy was quite annoyed by the sound, but did not really know whether to
be nervous or not, and concluded to express her vexation in groans: the
groans she was giving in memory of the departed Mr. Shotwell, who had
died of a "cannon bullet."

"My good Mrs. Shotwell," said Mrs. Piper, trying to "make
conversation," "I think I have got something in my eye: will you please