"You don't know anything about it. Let Tom and me alone. I think you are growing a cross old thing."
"Oh, Elsie, do be serious for one moment."
"Let me alone!" she repeated. "You are always spoiling my sunshine. I believe you hate me!"
"Don't talk so wildly, Elsie. But you cannot blame me for being anxious about Tom's happiness."
"And, pray, should I make him wretched if I married him?" she exclaimed defiantly.
"You won't do that. You——"
"I'll do what I please; and don't you meddle with me, just remember that!"
The voice was sharp and unlike Elsie's usual tone, but she quickly resumed her childish manner, and added:
"I'll be good—don't scold. There, I'm going now—good-bye!"
She danced out of the room and through the house, and Elizabeth heard her voice on the lawn, calling to Tom, to know if the boat was ready.