And Ben, though he chose to sneer, knew very well that, quietly as John spoke, he was thoroughly in earnest, and would do precisely as he said. He knew very well, too, that, though he was older and taller than John, he would very likely be worsted in an encounter. He preferred, therefore, that his mother should fight his battles for him.
"You hear, mother," he said. "He defies you. I knew he would. You remember what I told you."
Mrs. Oakley did remember very well, and the recollection made her angry.
"John Oakley," she said, "you will find that it won't do to insult me."
"I have no wish to insult you, Mrs. Oakley," said John. "I have not forgotten who you are, and I shall try to treat you accordingly."
"What do you mean by that?" said Mrs. Oakley, turning pale with rage.
She was misled by the statement Ben had made, and she thought John referred to the fact that she had been his father's house-keeper,—a point on which she felt sensitive.
"I mean," said John, a little surprised at this outburst, "that I have not forgotten that you are my father's widow, and as such are entitled to my respect."
"Was that what you meant?" asked Mrs. Oakley, suspiciously.