Fleda made two springs,--one to touch Charlton's mouth, the other to close the door of communication with the kitchen.
"Well!--what is the matter?--can't I have them?"
"Yes, yes, but ask me for what you want. You mustn't call upon Barby in that fashion."
"Why not? is she too good to be spoken to? What is she in the kitchen for?"
"She wouldn't be in the kitchen long if we were to speak to her in that way," said Fleda. "I suppose she would as soon put your boots on for you as fetch and carry them. I'll see about it."
"It seems to me Fleda rules the house," remarked Capt. Rossitur when she had left the room.
"Well who should rule it?" said Hugh.
"Not she!"
"I don't think she does," said Hugh; "but if she did, I am sure it could not be in better hands."
"It shouldn't be in her hands at all. But I have noticed since I have been here that she takes the arrangement of almost everything. My mother seems to have nothing to do in her own family."