slight angry wagging of the head; my heart fluttered, and I awaited the
crisis in extreme trepidation. She came close, the stile only separating
us, and stopped short, glaring and grinning at me like a French grenadier
who has crossed bayonets, but hesitates to close.




CHAPTER XVI

_DOCTOR BRYERLY LOOKS IN_


What had I done to excite this ungovernable fury? We had often before had
such small differences, and she had contented herself with being sarcastic,
teasing, and impertinent.

'So, for future you are gouvernante and I the cheaile for you to
command--is not so?--and you must direct where we shall walk. Très-bien!
we shall see; Monsieur Ruthyn he shall know everything. For me I do not
care--not at all--I shall be rather pleased, on the contrary. Let him
decide. If I shall be responsible for the conduct and the health of
Mademoiselle his daughter, it must be that I shall have authority to direct
her wat she must do--it must be that she or I shall obey. I ask only witch
shall command for the future--voilà tout!'

I was frightened, but resolute--I dare say I looked sullen and
uncomfortable. At all events, she seemed to think she might possibly
succeed by wheedling; so she tried coaxing and cajoling, and patted my
cheek, and predicted that I would be 'a good cheaile,' and not 'vex poor