And Mabel went to her room to recall again the vexatious events of the morning, until she was summoned by Mary to take her place at the piano. "It really is very tiresome that mamma should fix upon this duet," she said in a complaining tone. But recalling her promise and resolution that none of her home duties should be neglected, she went with her sister without further grumbling. But as the weeks went on, she forgot her promise about these home duties, shut herself up more and more in her own room, or went out to visit her district, but never had time to help the children with their lessons, sew on a button, or mend a glove when she was asked. Her temper too had not improved. She had grown sharp and querulous under the strain, and at last she began to see this herself, and had resolved to alter it. She woke up one morning with the full determination of being less snappish to everybody, and went to the nursery to warm her hands before going down-stairs full of amiable feelings. But unfortunately the nursery fire had not burned up, and Mabel made some remark about this. Turning sharply round, nurse said, "Don't come here finding fault, Miss Mabel. If you worry your poor mamma to death, you shall not worry me, so please leave the nursery." "I shall not leave the nursery. What do you mean, nurse, by saying I worry mamma?" she angrily demanded. "Because I see my poor mistress fretted and worried and ill for want of a little help that you could and ought to give her. And yet you go out day after day seeking your own pleasure, when you ought to be at home." "I am not seeking my own pleasure, nurse. You know that, and mamma knows it too," retorted Mabel. "I don't know. You go to please yourself. I know that for I heard your mamma ask you yesterday to stay and help Miss Mary with her music, but you would persist in going out." "I was obliged to go," she said. But she would not condescend to make any further explanations, but walked angrily down-stairs. "Mamma, what do you mean by saying I worry you to death?" she said as she entered the breakfast-room. Her father had come in behind her, just in time to hear the question. And without giving Mrs. Randolph time to reply, he ordered Mabel to leave the room for speaking to her mother in such a disrespectful manner. In truth Mabel was heartily ashamed of herself the moment the words were spoken, and she burst into tears and went to her room crying bitterly. "Was there ever such a miserable girl!" she sobbed, sitting down at the table and coveting her face with her hands. In a few minutes, her breakfast was brought by the housemaid, but Mabel did not want any this morning. She pushed the tray aside as soon as the servant had gone, and once more buried her face in her hands.