Mrs. Coolidge could have strangled her as she stood there in her proud beauty, but she began to be a little afraid of her as well. “Really, Miss Douglas, it seems to me you are assuming a great deal for a dependent,” returned the woman, haughtily. “I recognize the fact, madam, that I am in a measure dependent upon your favor; but I am also aware that my services are of no small value to you. When I consented to take charge of your daughters’ education, I did not consent to forfeit my self-respect by quietly submitting to any abuse from any member of your family.” Brownie’s tone was very quiet, but very clear and firm. “What am I to understand by this language from you, Miss Douglas?” demanded Mrs. Coolidge, nearly choking with anger. “That I expect due consideration from yourself and family, while I in turn render you all proper respect. I wish you good-night, madam.” With a courteous inclination of her bright head, Brownie turned and walked from the room with the air of an empress. Mrs. Coolidge stood looking after her for several minutes in utter amazement. “Who is the little vixen, I wonder?” she ejaculated, when she had recovered her self-possession somewhat. “She is evidently far above her station; and, judging from her appearance to-night, she must have moved in society equal to any into which we are received.” But that lady knew, as the young girl had said, that she was invaluable to her. Already her younger daughters were acquiring a fluency of speech and an elegance of manner which delighted her, and she felt that it would not do to part with her cultivated governess for any light consideration. She knew it would be very difficult to find any one, while they were abroad, who would prove as useful in every respect as Miss Douglas, and she resolved to swallow her wrath, and keep her at all hazards, unless Wilbur should fall in love with her. At all events, one thing was settled—Miss Douglas should be seen no more in company. CHAPTER XIV ISABEL’S DISCOVERY A few days later Brownie donned her hat and jacket, and went out for a stroll. She had been very brave and defiant while confronting Mrs. Coolidge, but the reaction followed immediately, and she had been sad and low-spirited ever since. She felt so alone in the world—so weary of this loveless life. It was evident that she was looked upon as a mere machine, fit only to make herself obliging and useful. To be sure, there had been no more unkind or insolent speeches, for Isabel had been warned by her mother that Miss Douglas was so extremely high-spirited that she would not submit to them; but their manner to her was so arrogant and overbearing that it was absolutely painful to be in their presence.