As for Mrs. Oakley, having once resolved to annoy John, she lost no time in beginning her persecutions. She had a small, mean nature, and nothing was too petty for her to stoop to.
John and Ben had been accustomed to occupy bedrooms on the second floor, very prettily furnished, and alike in every respect. It had been the policy of Squire Oakley to treat the two boys precisely alike, although Ben had no claim upon him, except as the son of the woman whom he had married. Now that he was dead, Mrs. Oakley determined that Ben should occupy a superior position, and should be recognized throughout the house as the eldest son and heir. After her unsatisfactory interview with John, just described, in which he had refused to apologize, she summoned Jane, and said:—
"Jane, you may remove John's clothes from the bedchamber where he has slept to the attic room next to your own."
"Is Master John going to sleep there?" asked Jane, in amazement.
"Certainly."
"And shall I move Master Ben's things upstairs, also?"
"Of course not," said Mrs. Oakley, sharply. "What made you think of such a thing?"
"Beg pardon, ma'am; but who is going to have Master John's room?"
"You ask too many questions, Jane. It is no concern of yours that I am aware of."
Jane did not venture to reply, but went out muttering:—