“She took one step forward; she seized me by the arm, and forced me to my feet. Think of it, Teresa! In all my life I have never had a hand laid on me except in kindness. Who knows it better than you! I tried vainly to speak—I saw Miss Minerva rise to interfere—I heard her say, ‘Mrs. Gallilee, you forget yourself!’ Somehow, I got out of the room. On the landing, a dreadful fit of trembling shook me from head to foot. I sank down on the stairs. At first, I thought I was going to faint. No; I shook and shivered, but I kept my senses. I could hear their voices in the room.
“Mrs. Gallilee began. ‘Did you tell me just now that I had forgotten myself?’
“Miss Minerva answered, ‘Certainly, madam. You did forget yourself.’
“The next words escaped me. After that, they grew louder; and I heard them again—my aunt first.
“‘I am dissatisfied with your manner to me, Miss Minerva. It has latterly altered very much for the worse.’
“‘In what respect, Mrs. Gallilee?’
“‘In this respect. Your way of speaking to me implies an assertion of equality—’
“‘Stop a minute, madam! I am not so rich as you are. But I am at a loss to know in what other way I am not your equal. Did you assert your superiority—may I ask—when you came into my room without first knocking at the door?’
“‘Miss Minerva! Do you wish to remain in my service?’
“‘Say employment, Mrs. Gallilee—if you please. I am quite indifferent in the matter. I am equally ready, at your entire convenience, to stay or to go.’