Austin's lips again formed the straight line that meant battle. Amy felt a
shudder of apprehension go through her being; but the same fighting blood
was in her. She thought that he was encroaching on her rights, and she was
set not to submit. He saw the danger she was in, and, besides that, the
baleful influence she would have over the younger children if she so set
his authority aside, and he felt that his home was again in jeopardy. So
far as he was concerned, there would be no giving in.
"I am going to get me a job, and take care of myself," she flung at him as
she read the decision in his eyes. "I will not be kept under in the way you
want to keep me. I am almost as old as you, and able to judge who is fit
company for me."
"No, Amy, you are far from able to choose your own company properly. You
need some one over you all the time. You must listen to me. You will bring
reproach on yourself and on us. You are not doing well in school, and I
will not forbid your getting work; but if you stay at home you must be
under the same rules as the rest. I can not have you running around nights
in evil company. In this I shall not yield. You must obey me."
"I will not stay with you if I have to be bossed around," she said with all
the spirit she could master.
"Very well. Nell can keep the house going, with Lila's help. If you can
find a suitable place to stay, and wish to take the responsibility upon
yourself, I shall not hinder you, but I can not have you here disobeying
the rules I must make for the good of the family," he said firmly.
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