oled, however, and looking over her shoulder, and seeing me
still at the other side of the stile, she paused, and beckoned me grimly
to follow her. Seeing me resolutely maintain my position, she faced about,
tossed her head, like an angry beast, and seemed uncertain for a while what
course to take with me.

She stamped and beckoned furiously again. I stood firm. I was very much
frightened, and could not tell to what violence she might resort in her
exasperation. She walked towards me with an inflamed countenance, and a
slight angry wagging of the head; my heart fluttered, and I awaited the
crisis in extreme trepidation. She came close, the stile only separating
us, and stopped short, glaring and grinning at me like a French grenadier
who has crossed bayonets, but hesitates to close.

CHAPTER XVI

_DOCTOR BRYERLY LOOKS IN_

What had I done to excite this ungovernable fury? We had often before had
such small differences, and she had contented herself with being sarcastic,
teasing, and impertinent.

'So, for future you are gouvernante and I the cheaile for you to
command--is not so?--and you must direct where we shall walk. Tres-bien!
we shall see; Monsieur Ruthyn he shall know everything. For me I do not
care--not at all--I shall be rather pleased, on the contrary. Let him
decide. If I shall be responsible for the conduct and the health of
Mademoiselle his daughter, it must be that I shall have authority to direct
her wat she must do--it must be that she or I shall obey. I ask only witch
shall command for the future--voila tout!'

I was frightened, but resolute--I dare say I looked sullen and
uncomfortable. At all events, she seemed to think she might possibly
succeed by wheedling; so she tried coaxing and cajoling, and patted my
cheek, and predicted that I would be 'a good cheaile,' and not 'vex poor
Madame,' but do for the future 'wat she tell a me.'

She smiled her wide wet grin, smoothed my hand, and patted my cheek, and
would in the excess of her conciliatory paroxysm have kissed me; but I
withdrew, and she commented only with a little laugh, and a 'Foolish little
thing! but you will be quite amiable just now.'

'Why, Madame,' I asked, suddenly raising my head and looking her straight
in the face, 'do you wish me to walk to Church Scarsdale so particularly
to-day?'

She answered my steady look with a contracted gaze and an unpleasant frown.

'Wy do I?--I do not understand a you; there is _no_ parti