Frank was moved to the quick. He was of a rather passionate temper and he felt nothing but contempt for the person who had made this remark. "I have not been," he said hotly, "I have been about my business."
"I thought that perhaps you had been crying there," she continued with the same irritating smile on her features.
Frank answered: "I might have done worse."
"Who would think that of a man of twenty-one," she said. "Of course, you do not care for your poor father; your mother gets all the tears."
Frank quite forgot himself. He looked at her defiantly and said in a low tone half fearing and yet wishing to be heard: "You are a Jezabel," then turned round and left the room.
When he came to think over the last words which he had used towards his step-mother, he felt ashamed of himself. He felt he had not behaved as a man, much less as a Christian. He had gone much too far; he owed her respect.
He thought of going straight to her, and of asking her pardon, but his pride prevented him from taking this wise step. Only for a minute, however; he soon overcame it and resolutely re-entered the room where Mrs. Mathers was.
"I was very rude to you," he began, "I was rather excited, and——"
Without saying a word Mrs. Mathers left the room and, slamming the door after her, proceeded upstairs.