“Champagne suppers!”
“Only one, and probably I shall never have another as long as I live.”
“You had a party at your house, and the champagne flowed as free as water. Two or three hundred dollars for wine in one evening, as I am informed by one who knows!”
“Who was he?”
“No matter who he was. Deny it if you dare.”
“Well, I dare!”
“Show me the bill, then!” said he, fiercely.
I was vexed and indignant at this rude treatment. I forgot that this man had labored to procure my situation; that he was my mother’s brother; that he had always taken a deep interest in me. I could not bear to be regarded as a child, and be taken to task as such by any one. My pride revolted.
“I don’t understand that you are my guardian,” I answered.