"I think it is right to disobey if I am told to do what is wrong," said Ellen, in a low voice.
"Are you to be the judge of right and wrong?"
"No, Ma'am."
"Who then?"
"The Bible."
"I do not know what is the reason," said Mrs. Lindsay, "that I cannot be very angry with you. Ellen, I repeat the order I gave you the other day. Promise me to obey."
"I cannot, Grandmother; I must have that hour; I cannot do without it."
"So must I be obeyed, I assure you, Ellen. You will sleep in my room henceforth."
Ellen heard her in despair; she did not know what to do. Appealing was not to be thought of. There was, as she said, no time she could count upon after breakfast. During the whole day and evening she was either busy with her studies or masters, or in the company of her grandmother or Mr. Lindsay; and if not there, liable to be called to them at any moment. Her grandmother's expedient for increasing her cheerfulness had marvellous ill success. Ellen drooped under the sense of wrong, as well as the loss of her greatest comfort. For two days she felt and looked forlorn; and smiling now seemed to be a difficult matter. Mr. Lindsay happened to be remarkably busy those two days, so that he did not notice what was going on. At the end of them, however, in the evening, he called Ellen to him, and whisperingly asked what was the matter.
"Nothing Sir," said Ellen, "only grandmother will not let me do something I cannot be happy without doing."