"No," she answered reproachfully, "but you may not understand our motives properly?"
"Through no fault of his then," I muttered half savagely, "he was most explicit, I thought!"
"You are inclined to be unfair to us Amey, and we are trying to do everything for the best," said my step-mother persuasively.
"That depends on what you mean, by the best" I interrupted curtly.
"We mean, the welfare of all concerned," she broke in, "my brother insists upon my returning with him, and Freddie will, of course, accompany me. So might you," she added courteously, "but I think it would not be wise. You would not be happy among my relatives, of that I am sure. So we think, that leaving you the option of a choice from among your own numerous friends, is the most discreet policy of all."
"You are very kind," said I, with choking sarcasm, "to have thought of me at all. You might have given me up with the furniture for safe-keeping, or locked me securely away here in the house until your return."
"Don't be so unkind, Amey," my step-mother pleaded amicably, "you ought to know, that I am concerned in your welfare and will not leave here, until I see you comfortably lodged."
"Like the furniture?" said I.
She did not answer this with words, but I felt her scrutinizing look directed full upon me, I knew I was in a most uncharitable and provoking mood, but I was not responsible, heaven knows, for what I said or did under such maddening influences. I did not want to give full vent to my momentary hatred and indignation, and as my step mother's attitude was tempting me strongly to indulge both, I turned, and said as calmly as I could:
"Have you anything in particular to say to me, that I have not heard before? If not, I think we had better separate!"