212 The Little Minister

“ Always my tendency.”

«A man who has a mind of his own, and hay-
ing once made it up stands to it in defiance even
of —”

“‘ Of his session.”

“ Of the world. He must understand me.”

“1 doe?

“ And be my master.”

“Tt is his lawful position in the house.”

“ He must not yield to my coaxing or tempers.”

“ Tt would be weakness.”

“But compel me to do his bidding; yes, even
thrash me if—”

“Tf you won’t listen to reason. Babbie,” cried
Gavin, “I am that man!”

Here the inventory abruptly ended, and these
two people found themselves staring at each other,
as if of a sudden they had heard something dread-
ful. I do not know how long they stood thus,
motionless and horrified. I cannot tell even
which stirred first. All I know is that almost
simultaneously they turned from each other and
hurried out of the wood in opposite directions.