At two o'clock Rose went to Mrs. Tilton's to give her regular lessons.
"Mrs. Tilton would like to see you," said the servant.
A little surprised, Rose remained in the parlor till that lady appeared.
"I wish to speak to you, Miss Beaufort," said Mrs. Tilton, coldly, "about your conduct last evening."
"My conduct last evening!" repeated Rose, in utter surprise. "To what do you refer?"
"To your indelicate conduct with Mr. Clinton Randall and other gentlemen."
"What do you mean? I demand an explanation!" exclaimed Rose, indignantly.
"You seem to forget your position, Miss Beaufort. As the instructress of my children, I feel I must be exacting. I do not approve of your bold flirtation with gentlemen above yourself in social position, and I beg to say that I must provide myself with another music-teacher for my girls."
"After your insulting remarks," said Rose, hotly, "nothing would induce me to remain in charge of them. Nothing in my conduct has called for such cruel charges."