"I cannot help it, Lucy. Where my conscience is not concerned—where there is no question of right and wrong—I will give way to her in all things, es I have done already, in leaving off my mourning. But when I see things to be wrong or even doubtful, I must forbear them whatever it costs." I was right in thinking that Amabel had not heard the last of the matter. That very night my lady came to our room, and after berating Amabel in no measured terms—for fine ladies of that day used to scold and call names like fish-wives, actually forgot herself so far as to box her ears. If there had been a weapon in my hand at that moment, I do believe I should have killed her. I sprang forward, but Amabel put her hand on my arm to check me, while she stood looking Lady Leighton straight in the face, white as marble and as firm. "Well, then, I did not mean to cuff you, though you richly deserve it," said my lady, feeling, I suppose, that she had put herself in an awkward position. "I am quite ready to overlook your silly and impertinent conduct this evening, so you promise to obey me in future." "I have already said, madam, that I will obey you in all matters not of conscience," replied Amabel. "Which means that you will only take your own way when you want it," was the reply. "We shall see who is to be mistress in this house. As for you, Corbet," turning to me, "you will do your young lady no service by abetting her rebellion, I can tell you that, nor yourself either. I chose to pass over your conduct this morning, because I did not wish to make a scene in a public place, and with a childish old woman, but I can tell you I shall allow no rebellion, however it may be abetted. It would take very little to make me send you a packing, and this insolent girl to a boarding-school, where she will learn to do what she is bid without appealing to her conscience." I simply curtsied. I have always found silence the best armor in dealing violent people. "As to you, Miss Leighton, your father is coming in a short time, and we shall then see who is to be Lady Paramount. I repeat once more that I will send your favorite woman adrift and yourself where you will learn obedience by the hardest if I see any more of these airs from either of you." With this she quitted the room. "Well, we have learned something!" said Amabel. "We know that my father is coming." "Much good he will do," was on my lips, but I did not say it. I bathed Amabel's heated cheek with elder flower water, for my lady had struck in good earnest, and I was afraid her fingers would leave a black mark. I think she herself was scared at what she had done, for she was all sunshine and sweetness the next day—even to me. She happened to hear me singing over my work, and was so much pleased with my voice as to ask, or rather command me, to come and sing for the entertainment of her company that evening. I was not sorry to oblige her, and received many compliments on my performance.