I was in a tumult of emotion. How could I begin my work when she acted in this way—as I had least expected? True, I knew that probably in a moment her fickle mood would change, but I could not begin yet. I held her back.
"You know," I said, "that the doctor is plotting to get rid of Joy for ever. You know, and I know, that that is the way he's been trying to help you. How can I care for you, when I know that is your purpose?" God knows I loathed myself for the hypocrisy, but I was at my wits' end.
She stopped and looked at me reproachfully. "Ah, you are in love with her, then! I thought so! She's everything, and I'm nothing to you!"
She flung away again in a new rage and walked proudly, scornfully down-stairs. I followed her. Just before I caught up with her, I heard her angry voice ring out.
"Oh, you sneak! Didn't I tell you to stay in the kitchen? Take that for your impertinence, you wench!"
There was the sound of a blow and a scream. I ran in and found Leah with her face bleeding. Edna, gorgeous in her silken gown, stood lowering like a furious queen, a heavy bronze paper-weight in her hand.
"You pack out of this house immediately!" she cried, her voice strident with passion. "I've had enough of your tricks! I want you to know I'm mistress here!"
Leah appealed to me with a glance. I nodded, pointing behind Edna's back, outdoors, to the old cabin. Leah disappeared, weeping. I went up to Edna.
"Do you expect me to love you when you act in this cruel way?" I asked in a quiet tone.
She stormed up and down, striding like a leopard in a cage, swishing this way and that, her fists firmly clenched.