The Policeman in Plain Clothes

The order of dismissal could hardly have been issued with more humane
consideration for the supposed mental infirmity of the person to whom
it was addressed. Grace instantly resisted it in the plainest possible
terms.

"In justice to my father's memory and in justice to myself,"
she answered, "I insist on a hearing. I refuse to withdraw." She
deliberately took a chair and seated herself in the presence of the
mistress of the house.

Lady Janet waited a moment--steadily controlling her temper. In the
interval of silence Julian seized the opportunity of remonstrating with
Grace.

"Is this what you promised me?" he asked, gently. "You gave me your word
that you would not return to Mablethorpe House."

Before he could say more Lady Janet had got her temper under command.
She began her answer to Grace by pointing with a peremptory forefinger
to the library door.

"If you have not made up your mind to take my advice by the time I have
walked back to that door," she said, "I will put it out of your power
to set me at defiance. I am used to be obeyed, and I will be obeyed. You
force me to use hard words. I warn you before it is too late. Go!"

She returned slowly toward the library. Julian attempted to interfere
with another word of remonstrance. His aunt stopped him by a gesture
which said, plainly, "I insist on acting for myself." He looked next
at Mercy. Would she remain passive? Yes. She never lifted her head;
she never moved from the place in which she was standing apart from the
rest. Horace himself tried to attract her attention, and tried in vain.