As I entered the lower hall, I met Mr. Lee. He gave me a look such as I never before saw in his face; it so increased my indignation, that, if it had not been for Jessie, I would have walked out of the house that instant.
"Miss Hyde," he said, in the low, measured tone his voice always took when he was angry, "will you step into the library for a moment?"
"Do you wish to speak with me?" I asked, rebelliously.
"If you have leisure."
I swept before him into the room. Every drop of blood in my veins tingled as if on fire. He followed me, and closed the door.
"How does it happen," he began, "that you and Jessie went upon an expedition like that of this morning without consulting me?"
I did my best to answer quietly, although his manner aggravated me almost beyond endurance.
"Simply because you were not here to consult," I replied.
"But you could have told me last night."
Then I flashed up a little, and said,—