At first Mrs. Ring took this energetic declaration with some reserve, but before long she realized with consternation that Allie Briskow was in deep earnest and that this was not a soft berth. Instead of obtaining a rest she was being worked as never before. Allie was a thing of iron; she was indefatigable; and her thirst for knowledge was insatiate; it grew daily as she gained fuller understanding of her ignorance. There was a frantic eagerness to her efforts, almost pitiful. As time went on she began to hate herself for her stupidity and to blame her people for her condition. She was a harder taskmaster than her teacher. Most things she apprehended readily enough, but when she failed to learn, when mental or physical awkwardness halted progress, then she flew into a fury. Her temper appalled Mrs. Ring. At such times Allie was more than disagreeable. Hate flamed in her eyes, she beat herself with her fists, she kicked the furniture, and she broke things. Once she even butted her head against the wall, uttering language meanwhile that all but caused her companion to swoon. Mrs. Ring resigned after this final exhibition, but, lacking the courage to face Allie in a mood like that, she went to Gus Briskow. "It is simply impossible to remain," she told him. "Already I'm a physical wreck, for I never get a moment's rest. The salary is attractive, but Allegheny is too much for me. She saps every ounce of vitality I have; she keeps me going every hour. And her terrific tempers are actually--dangerous." "She don't ever get mad at you, does she?" "Oh no! And she repents quickly enough. As a matter of fact, I am afraid she is overdoing her studies, but there's no holding her back." "You're kinda worked up, Miz' Ring. Mebbe I can make it pleasanter for you." "In what way, may I ask?" "Well, by payin' you more." "You are generous. The salary we agreed upon isn't low." "Yes'm--No, ma'am!" "I wouldn't feel right to accept more." "Try it, ma'am, for a little while. Mebbe it won't bother you so much after you get used to it. Allie likes you." "And I--I _am_ interested in her. She is progressing, too; in fact, I have never seen anyone learn more rapidly. But--she is so unusual. Still, perhaps I _am_ the one--perhaps it is my duty, under the circumstances--"