“Do as you think best, Aggie. I told her I wouldn't take a dismissal from her.”
Mrs. Brent was in her own room. She was not a woman who easily forgave, and she was provoked with Dan, who had defied her authority. She knew very well that in dismissing him she had wholly exceeded her authority, but this, as may readily be supposed, did not make her feel any more friendly to the young gardener. Jonas artfully led her indignation.
“Dan doesn't have much respect for you, mother,” he said. “He doesn't mind you any more than he does a kitchen-girl.”
“He may find he has made a mistake,” said Mrs. Brent, a bright red spot in each cheek, indicating her anger. “He may find he has made a mistake in defying my authority.”
“I wouldn't stand it if I was you, ma.”
“I won't!” said Mrs. Brent decidedly, nodding vigorously and compressing her lips more firmly.
Soon after a knock was heard at Mrs. Brent's door.
“Come in!” she said in a sharp, incisive voice.
The door was opened and Aggie entered.
“What do you want of me, Aggie?” asked Mrs. Brent, in some surprise.