At that moment the door opens, and the old lady half stumbles out, looking so utterly limp and woe-begone that her niece's heart sinks with the fear of some fresh disaster.
"Oh, what is it, aunt? Has—has anything else happened? The boys?"
"My dear, my dear, we'd best give it up—throw up our hands and have done with the struggle at once; it's of no use, of no use! I can hold out no longer."
"Oh, what has happened? Tell me—tell me!"
"Pauline is home again. She came back half an hour ago."
"Pauline back!" echoes Addie, aghast. "Wouldn't they—wouldn't they keep her?"
"She ran away from them."
After a moment's pause, Addie enters, and sees the young culprit, with crimson cheeks and streaming eyes, standing in the center of the room, the boys glaring at her in furious bitterness.
"Pauline!"
"Yes, that's my name; and here I am," the young lady answers, in a shrill taunting voice. "What have you to say to me, Adelaide? I've just been receiving the greetings of my brothers and aunt, and am ready to receive yours now. Open fire, my dear; I'm prepared for any charge. Don't be afraid."