“When Vicksburg falls perhaps we may,” interposed Mrs. La Chaise. “I will be willing to acknowledge it then, won’t you, Clarisse?”
“Yes; will you come in and see my boy this morning, Adele? He is getting on finely.”
“I will come too,” said Jeanne determinedly. “I think Dick is strong enough to see me if he can see the rest of the family.”
“I forbid it,” said Madame sternly. “He doesn’t care to see you. The sight would be very unpleasant to him.”
“The sight of me? His sister!” exclaimed the girl in amaze. “I do not believe it, Aunt Clarisse.”
“You shall not go. He does not need you.”
“I will go. I have stayed out quite long enough,” and Jeanne rose from her seat and started for Dick’s bedroom. But Madame was by her side instantly.
“If you do not do as I tell you, I will lock you up again,” she said threateningly. “I think you had a taste of that once.”
“You dare not,” retorted Jeanne. “These people would not let you.”
“Indeed, had I been in your aunt’s place I would have done so long ago,” declared Mrs. La Chaise who had always disliked the girl. Jeanne looked appealingly at her uncle but that gentleman only turned to Mr. La Chaise with some remark on the war. They were all against her, and as she gazed into their faces she realized how helpless she was.