"I think — I know very little about it," I said hesitating. "I
can do a sum."

"In what?"

"On the slate, ma'am."

"Yes, but in what?"

"I don't know, ma'am — it is adding up the columns."

"Oh, in _addition_, then. Do you know the multiplication and
division tables?"

"No, ma'am."

"Go and get off your things, and then come back to me; and I
will have some more talk with you."

I remember to this day how heavily my feet went up the stairs.
I was not very strong yet in body, and now the strength seemed
to have gone out of my heart.

"I declare," said Preston, who waited for me on the landing,
"she falls into position easy! Does she think she is going to
take _that_ tone with you?"

I made no answer. Preston followed me into my room.

"I won't have it, little Daisy. Nobody shall be mistress at