“And what may that be, pray?” said her father, with an icy sneer.
“Why, that I’m a real smart little girl, and can keep my word like a man! I said I’d finish my education and be back in a week, and—here I am.”
A dark frown settled on the brow of the judge, as he listened to this audacious reply; but, maintaining an outer semblance of calmness, he asked:
“And how have you determined to spend your time for the future, Miss Lawless?”
“Just as I did before—riding round and visiting my friends.”
A chilling smile settled on the lips of the judge.
“So that is your intention, is it? Well, now hear mine. Since you will neither stay at school nor behave yourself as a young lady should when at home, I shall sell your pony and procure you a tutor who will be your teacher and guard at the same time. Whenever you move from the house, either he or I will accompany you; and I shall take proper steps to prevent your visiting any of those you call your friends. You will find, Miss Lawless, I am not to be disobeyed with impunity in the future. Perhaps, after a time, if I find you docile and attentive to my orders, I may forget your past misconduct and restore you some of your privileges again. This, however, will entirely depend on the manner in which you conduct yourself. I have already a gentleman in view who will undertake the office of tutor, and until he comes I shall have you locked in your room and your meals brought up to you. Not a word, Miss Lawless. I have borne with your impertinence too long, and you will now find I can adopt a different course. Solitude will cool your blood, I trust, and bring you to your senses.”
So saying, the judge calmly arose, rung the bell and then reseated himself.
You should have seen how Pet stormed and raved, and scolded, then, vowing she would kill herself; she would jump out of the window; she would set the house afire and burn them all in their beds; she would have no tutor; she would murder him if he came.
The judge listened to all this with the most perfect indifference, until the entrance of a negress put an end to the scene.