Violet followed, with flushing cheeks and eyes that began to glitter ominously. Her spirit was leaping forth to meet the trial in store for her.
"I have been thinking," Mrs. Mencke began, throwing herself into a chair and trying to speak in an offhand way, "that another little trip would do us all good. Will has business that calls him to Canada, and he thinks he would like company on the journey; so we have decided to combine business and pleasure, and take in all the sights on the way. He is to start a week from Wednesday, and we can easily be ready to accompany him by that time. What do you say, Vio?"
Violet thought a moment, then meeting her sister's eye with a steady glance, she briefly replied:
"I do not wish to go."
Mrs. Mencke flushed. She did not like that quiet tone.
"I am sorry," she returned, "for we have decided to shut up the house during our absence, and I could not think of leaving you behind."
"Nevertheless, Belle, I shall not go with you to Montreal," Violet answered, steadily.
"Who said anything about Montreal?" quickly demanded Mrs. Mencke, and regarding her sharply.
"I may as well be straightforward with you, Belle," Violet continued, "and tell that I know just what you have planned to do, and I am not going to Montreal to be placed in a convent!"
"Violet!" ejaculated the startled woman, with a crimson face.