and staring for? Be off, or----" the old
man looked around for a missile, but before he found one the room was
evacuated except by himself and Capitola.

"Now, minion," he began, as soon as he found himself alone with the
little rebel, "I did not choose to mortify you before the servants, but,
once for all, I will have you to understand that I intend to be obeyed."
And Old Hurricane "gathered his brows like a gathering storm."

"Sir, if you were really my uncle, or my father, or my legal guardian, I
should have no choice but obey you; but the same fate that made me
desolate made me free--a freedom that I would not exchange for any
gilded slavery," said Cap, gaily.

"Pish! tush! pshaw! I say I will have no more of this nonsense. I say I
will be obeyed," cried Old Hurricane, striking his cane down upon the
floor, "and in proof of it I order you immediately to go and take off
that gala dress and settle yourself down to your studies for the day."

"Uncle, I will obey you as far as taking off this dress goes, for, since
you won't give me a seat in your carriage, I shall have to put on my
habit and ride Gyp," said Cap, good humoredly.

"What! Do you dare to hint that you have the slightest idea of going to
the fair against my will?"

"Yes, sir," said Cap, gaily. "Sorry it's against your will, but can't
help it; not used to being ordered about and don't know how to submit,
and so I'm going."

"Ungrateful girl; actually meditating disobedience on the horse I gave
her!"

"Easy now, uncle--fair and easy. I did not sell my free will for Gyp! I
wouldn't for a thousand Gyps! He was a free gift," said Capitola,
beginning an impatient little dance about the floor.

"Come here to me; come--here--to--me!" exclaimed the old man
peremptorily, rapping his cane down upon the floor with every syllable.

Capitola danced up to him and stood half smiling and fingering and
arranging the lace of her under sleeves.

"Listen to me, you witch! Do you intend to obey me or not?"

"Not," said Cap, good-humoredly adjusting her cameo bracelet and holding
up her arm to see its effect.

"You will not! Then, demmy, miss, I shall know how to make you!"
thundered Old Hurricane, bringing the point of his stick down with a
sharp rap.

"Eh!" cried Capitola, looking up in astonishment.

"Yes, miss; that's what I said--make you!"

"I should like to know how," said Cap, returning to her cool good humor.

"You would, would you? Demmy, I'll tell