iet at the other end of the world. But you
wouldn't expect me to drive about with one of those fool-creatures from
the livery stable taking care of me, as if I were a kiddy? No, sir! I
don't see myself coming down to _that_ level yet awhile! We'd best get
up some driving parties, with those men at the Manor. They seem to have
lots of horses and carts and things hanging round, and I don't see as
they could employ themselves better than in giving Elma and me a good
time. I'll air the subject when I go up to inquire!"

Miss Briskett fairly leapt on her seat with horror and indignation. She
began to speak, and spoke rapidly for the next three minutes, laying
down a series of commandments to which Cornelia listened with bated
breath.

Thou shalt not hold any communication with the Manor, nor with the
people inhabiting the Manor; nor with the guest sojourning beneath the
roof of the Manor. Thou shalt not associate with any men outside the
circle of thy aunt's acquaintances. Thou shalt walk abroad by thine
aunt's side, on thine own legs, and comport thyself discreetly, as
behoves a young gentlewoman of good family. Thou shalt remember that
thou art a self-invited guest, and conform to the rules of the
establishment, or else shalt promptly return to the place from whence
thou camest. ...

In a word, Miss Briskett lost her temper, and when a woman of mature
years and grey hairs loses control of herself, and lets her tongue run
amuck, it is a sorry spectacle. The flush on Cornelia's cheeks was not
for her own humiliation, but for her aunt's. She lowered her lids,
ashamed to look into the angry, twisted face.

"Yes, I understand," she replied quietly, in answer to the final
question. "I guess I understand quite a lot."

"And you mean to obey?"

There was a moment's hesitation, and then--

"No," drawled Cornelia, calmly. "I can't say as I do! Those people
have been polite to me, and I'm bound to be civil in return. I never
ran after any man that I know of, and I don't intend to begin, but when
I _do_ meet 'em, I'm going to be as pleasant as I know how. It's a
pity, Aunt Soph, but you don't understand girls! I've not been reared
on tea-parties and cribbage, and I tell you straight that I've just
_got_ to have a vent! You be wise not to try to shut me up, for I get
pretty reckless if I'm thwarted."

"Cornelia, do you dare to threaten me?"

"No, Aunt Soph. I'm kind enough to warn you before it is too lat