the table, when a servant announced that the Reverend Mr Sampson
wished to see him.

The mention of the clergyman's name seemed to transform my mother into
another woman. Quickly, but gently, putting aside my sister Frances,
whose loving arms were clasped around her waist, she rose, and fire
flashed in her eyes as she said to the servant,--

'Denham, tell Mr Sampson that I desire to speak with him as soon as he
has finished his business with Mr Egerton.'

My father went out to the drawing-room, where the clergyman awaited him,
and for the next ten minutes or so my mother walked quickly to and fro
in the dining-room, bidding us remain seated, and in a harsh, unnatural
tone to one so sweet and gentle, she told the servants who waited to
withdraw.

'Mr Sampson is at your service, madam,' said Denham, opening the door.

'Show him in here,' said my mother, sharply, and her always pale face
grew paler still.

The clergyman entered, and extended his fat, white hand to her; she drew
back and bowed coldly.

'I do not desire to shake hands with you, sir.'

Mr Sampson's red face flushed purple.

'I do not understand you, madam. Is this a jest--or do you forget who I
am?'

'I shall try to make you understand me, Mr Sampson, in as few words
as possible. I do not jest, and I do not forget who you are. I have a
request to make.'

'Indeed! I feel honoured, madam,' and the corners of the clergyman's
thick lips turned contemptuously down--'and that is--?'

'That you will cease your visits to this house. It would be painful
indeed to me to receive you as a guest from this time forth, for this
very day it is my intention to write to the Governor and acquaint
him with the shocking act of cruelty committed this morning--'twas a
shameful, cruel deed to flog an old man so cruelly.'

Mr Sampson's face was now livid with the rage he could not suppress.

'Beware, madam, of what you say or do. 'Tis a pretty example you set
your children to thus insult a clergyman.'

My mother's answer cut like a whip-lash. 'A clergyman such as you,
Mr Sampson, can inspire naught in their childish minds but fear and
abhorrence,' and then she pulled the bell cord so violently that not
only Denham but my father entered as well.

'Show Mr Sampson out,' she said in accents of mingled anger and
scorn, and then turning to the window nearest, she seemed to be gazing
unconcernedly upon the blue expanse of ocean before her; but her little
hands were cla