The Price He Paid — page 61: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

52 LIVING IN REBELLION. baroness, with a sigh, which, however, did not for a moment interrupt her close examination of a pat- tern before her. “If Il submit to them, ] make the sacrifice simply and solely with a view to your future, my child.” Her daughter did not seem particularly moved by this proof of maternal solicitude. “TI was catechised like a little schoolgirl,” she grumbled on. “He worried meso with his ques- tions and cross-questions, that I got quite confused at last, and then he shrugged his shoulders and de- creed that I should begin taking lessons again. Take lessons at seventeen! He will have masters out from the town for me, he says; but I shall just tell him point-blank that it is not necessary, and he need not trouble himself about the matter.” The mother looked up from her fashion-plates. “For Heaven’s sake, do nothing of the kind. As it is, you seem to live in a state of continual rebel- lion to your guardian, and I often tremble with fear lest you should rouse his anger with your pertness and obstinacy. So far, I must say, he has put up with your conduct with wonderful patience, he who could never brook a contrary word!” “I would agreat deal rather he grew angry,” said Gabrielle, petulantly. “I can’t endure him to ~ smile down atme from that great height, as if I were too insignificant a child to annoy or aggravate him—he invariably does smile in that way when I attempt it—and when he is so gracious as to kiss my forehead, I feelas ifI should like to run away from the place.” “Gabrielle, I do beg of you-—” “It is of no use, mamma; I can’t help it. When- ever [come near Uncle Arno, I havea feeling as though I] must defend myself, defend myself with allmy might and main against something—some- thing there is about him. 1 don’t know what it is, but it worries and vexesme. I cannot behave to him as to other people. Icannot, and what is more, I will not!” The young lady’s last words were uttered in a Eomichooks: co