What does he mean? What crisis? The only crisis that I can think of is one which fills me with dread. When that comes I will meet it firmly.
October 10.—Mrs. Compton told me to-day that Philips had gone to London on business. The poor old thing looked very much troubled. I urged her to tell me what was the matter, but she only looked the more terrified. Why she should feel alarm about the departure of Philips for London I can not imagine. Has it any thing to do with me? No. How can it? My fate, whatever it is, must be wrought out here in this place.
October 14.—The dreaded crisis has come at last. Will not this be my last entry? How can I longer avoid the fate that impends?
This afternoon He sent for me to come down.
I went to the dining-room expecting some horror, and I was not disappointed. The three were sitting there as they had sat before, and I thought that there was trouble upon their faces. It was only two o’clock, and they had just finished lunch.
John was the first to speak. He addressed me in a mocking tone.
“I have the honor to inform you,” said he, “that the time has arrived when you are to be took down.”
I paid no attention whatever to these words. I felt calm. The old sense of superiority came over me, and I looked at Him without a tremor.
My tyrant glanced at me with a dark scowl. “After your behavior, girl, you ought to bless your lucky stars that you got off as you did. If I had done right, I’d have made you pay up well for the trouble you’ve given. But I’ve spared you. At the same time I wouldn’t have done so long. I was just arranging a nice little plan for your benefit when this gentleman”—nodding his head to Clark—“this gentleman saved me the trouble.”
I said nothing.