I shall not go
another day," she said. "Amy, it was my motive in getting our home started
again, to get all of you children into school. Your clothes are as good as
many of your schoolmates', and I can not give my consent to your leaving
school now. So put it out of your mind." Austin said this in a paternal way
particularly provoking to the spirit of the girl.
"Who was asking your consent? I am sure I had no intention of doing so. I
simply announced that I was going to work, and that is what I intend to
do," she answered hotly.
"Amy, you heard what I said! You can not quit school. I forbid it."
Amy's eyes blazed fire, and her slender shoulders shook with rage. "Austin
Hill, you are not my father that you may order me about! Two years do not
give you such authority over me. I am not going to school, and you might as
well understand it!"
Austin's lips set in two straight lines that meant battle. If the children
were not going to yield obedience to him, he would not be able to keep the
home together. Amy ought to see this. He said no more, and left the house
without a word of good-by.
Amy, angry and rebellious, did not prepare for school nor did she do her
share of the morning work. Nell left the house for school all fretted and
angry that Amy had shirked her part. So all three of them were thoroughly
unhappy all the day long.
Austin's lips were still in their straight lines when he came home, and Amy
just as defiant.
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