"Something else I want to do," said Mabel coolly.
"Well, I say you are a selfish pig!" retorted Frank.
"Don't you let mamma hear you talk to me like that!" said Mabel. "You know what you would get."
"It's what you are anyhow, and I will get even with you if you don't come across."
Frank flung this threat at his sister as they entered their modest home. Mabel, flushed and rather uncomfortable, went into the sitting-room where her mother greeted her with a smile. She asked about the meeting, but made no comment when she heard Mabel telling Frank that she did not intend to go to church.
"What are you going to do?" he demanded. "Stay in bed and have your breakfast brought up and loaf all day?"
"I may," replied Mabel boldly.
"If you do, you are a pill!" said Frank hotly.
"Mamma, don't you let him talk to me like that," appealed Mabel.
"Fight your own battles, my dear," said Mrs. Brewster. "If you are not able to compel politeness from your brother and others I feel sure that it is your own fault, and there is no use in someone else demanding it for you. Besides," said Mrs. Brewster, yawning rather openly, "I am tired fussing over you children. I have about decided to go into business."