"Oh, please don't quarrel about me. Let me go home, and then all will
be well," Maddy cried, feeling, at that moment, more averse to leaving
Aikenside than she could have thought it possible.
"We shall not quarrel, but I shall have my way; meanwhile go to your
room and stay there until told that I have sent for you."
They went to the house together, but separated in the hall; Maddy
repairing to her room, while Guy sought Mrs. Agnes. The moment she saw
his face she knew a storm was coming, but was not prepared for the
biting sarcasm and bitter reproaches heaped upon her by one who, when
roused, was a perfect hurricane.
Maybe she had forgotten what she was when his father married her, he
said, but he had not, and he remembered well the wonder expressed by
many that his father should stoop to marry a poor school teacher.
"Yes, that's what you were, madam, much as you despise Maddy Clyde for
being a governess; you were one once yourself, and before that time
mercy knows what you were--a hired girl, perhaps--your present airs
would seem to warrant as much!"
Guy was in a sad passion by this time, and failed to note the effect
his last words had on Agnes, who turned livid with rage and terror;
but smothering down her wrath, she said beseechingly: "Pray, Guy, do not be so angry; I know I am foolish about some things,
and proud people who 'come up' as you say always are, I guess; I know
that marrying your father made me what I am, but everybody does not
know it, and it is not necessary they should. I don't remember exactly
what I did say to this Clyde girl, but I thought it would be
pleasanter for you, pleasanter for us all, not to have her always
around; it seems she has presided at the table when Dr. Holbrook was
here to tea, and even you can't think that quite right."
"I don't know why," and at mention of Dr. Holbrook Guy's temper burst
out again. "Agnes, you can't deceive me; I know the secret of your
abominable treatment of Maddy Clyde is jealousy."
"Guy--jealous, I jealous of that child;" and Agnes' voice was
expressive of the utmost consternation.
"Yes, jealous of that child; you think that because the doctor has
been kind to her, perhaps he wants her some time for his wife. I hope
he does; I mean to help it on; I'll tell him to have her, and if he
don't I'll almost marry her myself!" and Guy paced up and down the
parlor, chafing and foaming like a young lion.