with Fred this time. She followed the track of
the lads, having first inquired of a farm-boy which road they had taken,
and as they had loitered, and she walked very fast, she soon overtook
them. They were seated on a bank by the road-side, when she got up to
them, and John was just displaying his treasures, squibs to make Miss
Edith jump, Catherine wheels, roman candles, sky-rockets, and blue
lights and crackers. The farmer's sons, Jerry and Tom, grinned
delightedly. Emilie stood for a few moments irresolute; the boys were
rude, and looked so daring--what should she say?

"Young gentlemen," she began; they all took off their hats in mock
deference. "A woman preaching, I declare." "Go on. Madam, hear! hear!
hear!" said the young Crosses. "Young gentlemen," continued Emilie, with
emphasis, "it is to _you_ I am speaking. I am determined that those
fire-works shall not be let off, if I can prevent it, on Mr. Crosse's
premises. If you will not give up your intention, I shall walk to L--,
and inform your father, and you know very well how displeased he will
be."

"Who says we are going to let them off on Mr. Crosse's premises?" said
Fred, fiercely. "You are very interfering Miss Schomberg, will you go
back to your our own business, and to little Edith."

"I will go to L----, master Fred," said Emilie, firmly, but kindly. "I
shall be sorry to get you into trouble, and I would rather not take the
walk, but I shall certainly do what I say if you persist."

The boys looked doubtfully at one another. Fred seemed a little disposed
to yield, but to be conquered by his sister's governess was very
humiliating. However, they knew from Edith's account that Emilie, though
kind, was firm; and, therefore, after a little further altercation, they
agreed not to send up the fire-works that night, but they promised her
at the same time that she should not hear the last of it. They returned
to the farm much out of humour, and having hidden them in the box of the
pony gig, came in just in time for supper.

The ride home was a silent one; Edith saw that her brothers were put
out, and began to think she did not like Emilie Schomberg to live with
at all. Emilie had done right, but she had a hard battle to fight; all
were against her. No one likes to be contradicted, or as Fred said, to
be managed. Emilie, however, went steadily on, speaking the truth, but
speaking it in love, and acting always "as seeing Him who is invisible."

CHAPTE