"Where did you get the dollar?" asked Ida; "and how is it you have so many of them?"
"None of your business. You mustn't pry into the affairs of other people. Are you going to do as I told you?" she continued, menacingly.
"I can't," answered Ida, pale but resolute.
"You can't!" repeated Peg, furiously. "Didn't you promise to do whatever I told you?"
"Except what was wicked," interposed Ida.
"And what business have you to decide what is wicked? Come home with me."
Peg seized the child's hand, and walked on in sullen silence, occasionally turning to scowl upon Ida, who had been strong enough, in her determination to do right, to resist successfully the will of the woman whom she had so much reason to dread.
Arrived at home, Peg walked Ida into the room by the shoulder. Dick was lounging in a chair.
"Hillo!" said he, lazily, observing his wife's frowning face. "What's the gal been doin', hey?"
"What's she been doing?" repeated Peg. "I should like to know what she hasn't been doing. She's refused to go in and buy gingerbread of the baker."