"This is an evasion, Jessie. I insist upon knowing what passed between you and our guest after I left the room."
"You have a right to question me, father; but indeed I cannot tell you. Mrs. Dennison said something about what we should do next winter; and I looked at her a moment, in displeasure perhaps, for she has already stayed far beyond the time usual for our guests; and I am not aware that any one has extended a second invitation to her. I certainly have not."
Mr. Lee's face darkened.
"And is this what you have done?—given her one of your haughty looks, and at my table, Jessie Lee?"
"Father!"
"Do not call me father. Do not speak to me again until you have apologized to the lady for this rudeness."
Mr. Lee's voice was stern, almost cruel, as he said this. Jessie grew pale as death.
"Father, I cannot apologize for anything I have done; it is impossible when the lady entered a complaint to you—"
Mr. Lee interrupted her.
"Mrs. Dennison entered no complaint."