"Ask his permission," echoed the General, with rising color that boded ill for May. "What do you mean?"
"I don't think my father sent me up here to be trained; I think he thought I was invited to visit here."
"You impudent young jackanapes! Do you refuse to have your bad manners mended?"
"I'm sorry you don't like them, but if they need mending I think my father ought to know it before you begin."
"I am obliged to you, sir, for telling me what I should do, but it is not necessary for a person of your age to dictate to me."
"I did not mean to dictate to you," said May. Then she raised her small brown head proudly and flashed her hazel eyes upon the astonished General, and said,—
"But I couldn't let even you insult my father and mother."
"Insult!" roared the General, springing to his feet.
May rose and faced him. "Yes, sir, insult. You said my manners were bad when you knew father and mother taught me them."