"I can't be absent long," began Mrs. Whately, "Zany has told me
everything and--"
"I think, sister, that Mr. Baron and I can manage this matter,"
interrupted Mrs. Baron coolly.
"No doubt you can," Mrs. Whately replied with dignity. "I did not
come down to interfere with your domestic affairs. There is one
point on which I have a right to speak and must speak. You can't
punish Aun' Jinkey and Zany now if knowledge of such punishment can
in any way reach our niece. No matter how much they may deserve it,
I say you cannot do it. I promised Zany nothing, held out no hope to
her of escape, but to you I will speak plainly. If you should excite
and disturb Louise now, you might easily cause her death. If you
feel that you cannot overlook the offence (and I know how serious a
one it is) wait till I can remove Louise to my own house. You will
find that Dr. Pelton when he arrives will confirm my words."
Mr. Baron weakened. He had not the relentless will of his wife, who
interposed with cutting emphasis, "There is no need of Louise's
knowing anything about it till she is much better, and it would be
well for her to learn then, as well as the slaves, that there is
still a master and mistress.
Pages:
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527