hands down with one of his, and placing the other under her chin,
forced her to look at him.

"How dare you defy and disobey me?"

"I did not defy you, sir, but I could not help you to do what was
wrong and cruel."

"I am the judge of my actions, and neither ask your help nor intend
to permit your interference with what does not concern you."

"God is the judge of mine, sir, and if I had obeyed you, I should
have been guilty of all you wished to do with that stick. I don't
want to interfere, sir. I try to keep out of your way, and I am very
sorry I happened to come here this evening. I did not dream of
meeting you; I thought you had gone to town."

He read all her aversion in her eyes, which strove to avoid his, and
smiling gently, he continued: "You evidently think that I am the
very devil himself, walking the earth like a roaring lion. Mind your
own affairs hereafter, and when I give you a positive order, obey
it, for I am master here, and my word is law. Meddling or
disobedience I neither tolerate nor forgive. Do you understand me?"

"I shall not meddle, sir."

"That means that you will not obey me unless you think proper?"

She was silent, and her beautiful soft eyes filled with tears.