the kind! I don't take money I've not earned;
and I'll not go until the time's up! That's a declaration of
independence for you, which I suppose you're not accustomed to in the
outlandish place you came from, where people haven't a notion how to
treat those they can't do without. Do you suppose your paltry money
would compensate me for the injury it would do my character, if it
should be said I was engaged for a month, and before I had been in the
situation a day, I had to pull up stakes and make tracks? No,--unless
you can prove that I don't know my business, or don't do my duty, I've
just as much right here, being engaged to take up my quarters here, as
you have. Don't think I'm offended; make yourself easy on that head.
I've learnt how to deal with all sorts of folks. I saw at the first
squint that you and I would have a rather rough time, and I made ready
for it. If you've got nothing more to say, I'll go back to the poor
dear, for he's broad awake and may be wanting something."

"And you dare to refuse to go when I dismiss you?"

"_Dare?_ Law sakes! there's no _dare_ about it. _Who's to dare me?_ or
to frighten me either? You don't think you've come to a free country to
find people afraid of their shadows,--do you? I'm afraid of nothing but
not doing my duty; I always dare do that, to say nothing of asserting my
own rights and privileges. So let's have no more nonsense, and I'll go
about my business."

Mrs. Gratacap returned to her patient as undisturbed as though the
countess had merely requested her presence as a matter of courtesy.

The torment Madame de Gramont was destined to endure from this
straightforward, steady-of-purpose, unterrified New England woman, must
exceed the comprehension of those who never felt within themselves the
workings of an overbearing spirit. Mrs. Gratacap maintained her ground;
there was no displacing her; and she had become thoroughly sovereign of
the sick-room, as a good nurse ought to be. The only alternative for the
countess was to avoid her; but she was a pursuing phantom that met the
proud lady at every turn, haunted her with untiring pertinacity. Madame
de Gramont absented herself from her son's chamber, except when Mrs.
Gratacap went to her meals; but little was gained by that, for the nurse
was always flitting in and out of the drawing-room, or dining-room, at
unexpected moments, and only the turning of the key kept her out of the
countess's own chamber.

The first time