"My little girl," he said, smiling derisively, "what new airs have you taken on? They do not become you in the least. What has come over you? Is she trying to be a strong-minded female, or is she doing penance or works of supererogation? Come, now, have done with this nonsense, and say you will be ready, my pretty one," and he put his finger under her chin, as one would do to a child, adding, "Look up here, and let us have no tantrums? Some day I must get a bit and bridle for you, my beauty; you are growing spirited."
Esther could never remember feeling more outraged at anything than at this speech. It was a new and repulsive glimpse of his character.
Mr. Langdon had an opportunity to see her in a new character then. She drew herself up, and said coldly: "Such language is very distasteful to me, and I wish to hear no more of it. Please understand distinctly that I am not going, so it will not be necessary for you to detain yourself further."
He thought his ears must have deceived him, that she should dare to assert herself thus, when he supposed he had her under such good control!
He grew white with anger; so angry: that he forgot himself, and said between his teeth,—
"I command you to go."
"You have no right to command me," Esther said calmly.
Then growing desperate, and resolved not to be baffled, he drew out his watch, saying:—
"I will give you three minutes to decide. Once for all: I warn you; you would better repent your decision. If a pack of old women are to be put before me, we shall see. You may take the consequences if you refuse."
Then he turned and walked up and down the short space, while Esther went on clipping flowers. Her fingers trembled, and her hands were nerveless, but the steady clip, clip, of the shears came to the ears of the man who was waiting.