“I don’t want to stay here. I’m going back to Miss Harper. I like her better than anybody in this house.” And little self-willed George made for the door, in his determined way.

“You George! Come back this instant!” cried his mother, in anger.

“A’n’t a-going to,” replied the little rebel.

“George!”

“A’n’t a-going to!” sounded resolutely down from the stairs.

“I’ll punish you!”

“Don’t care! Miss Harper! Miss Harper!”

Almost like a fury did the mother rush away after her child. He heard her coming, and ran to Miss Harper for protection. She had gone to her own apartment: not seeing her in the study-room, the child knew where to find her.

“Go back to your mother, George!” said Florence, speaking firmly, but kindly, as the child rushed toward her.

“A’n’t a-going to!”