“But just suppose the future proves they are her property, who, then, will be the thief?” he demanded, hotly.
“Why, if she can prove it to me satisfactorily, then I shall have to yield them up to her, of course,” replied Mrs. Coolidge, flushing, and not relishing this side of the question.
“Will you give her the recommendation?”
“I suppose I shall have to, in order to keep you with us.”
She dreaded nothing so much as his roaming off by himself.
“Then make it out at once—and a good one let it be, too; for Miss Douglas leaves to-day.”
“Does she, indeed? I have not dismissed her yet, I believe,” sneered the irate woman. But she sat down to the table and began to write.
“That will not be necessary, since she has already decided to go.”
“Thank you,” he said, as she handed him what she had written, and he ran his quick eye over it. “That will do nicely. Now, if you will give me what you owe her, I will hand both to her at the same time.”
She saw that her son was in no mood to be trifled with, and did as he requested, although inwardly resolving to be equal with the despised governess, if ever the opportunity should offer.