“It makes no difference to me what you believe or what you don’t believe,” said Philip, whose temper was gradually getting the better of him.
He remembered, however, his Uncle Godfrey’s frequently repeated precept, that a gentleman never quarrels with a servant, and restrained himself.
“Susan,” said he, “you know very well where that gun is, and I want you to get it and hang it on the pegs in the gun-room, where it belongs.”
“You talk as if you were the master of everybody here,” said Susan.
“I am head of this house until my uncle comes back,” said Philip, “and I want you to understand it.”
“And suppose I don’t choose to understand it?” said Susan.
“Then I’ll get somebody who will!” retorted Philip, quickly.
The idea of getting any one to fill her place seemed so absurd to Susan that she could not help giving a little laugh.
“Is that all you have to say?” she asked.
“That is all,” said Philip; “but I wish you to remember it.”