“Mrs. Coolidge,” she said, in cold, stern tones, “if you think to subdue me thus, and gain your end, you are very much mistaken in my character, and I warn you that you are only heaping up wrath for yourself.”
There was no answer, and Brownie finally concluded that the only thing she could do for the present was to exercise abundant patience and wait.
She had not a thought of fear, however, that the wicked woman would dare to keep her there long; her whole soul—all the Douglas blood in her veins rose up in rebellion against this arbitrary act, and she resolved that the future should hold for her jailer a reckoning full of retribution.
When Mrs. Coolidge had accomplished her piece of diabolical treachery, and the door was bolted upon her prisoner, she sank down upon a chair, nearly fainting.
CHAPTER XXX
“I WILL DARE DO ANYTHING”
Not long after, the wicked woman heard Isabel’s voice in the hall.
Hastily rising, she went to the door, unlocked it, though her hands trembled so that it was with difficulty that she inserted the key in the lock.
“Good gracious, mamma! what is the matter? You are as white as a ghost!” she exclaimed, as she entered.
“Hush! Come in quick, and lock the door again; then I will tell you.”
Isabel obeyed, and then Mrs. Coolidge related all that had transpired during the last half hour.