"Amy," said Austin one day, "where were you last night?" "What difference
does it make where I was?" she answered evasively. "That is not an answer
to my question. I want to know with whom you spent the evening, and where
you were."
"I went out a while with friends, and did nothing that I need to be called
to account for. You are always forgetting that I am not a child, to be
dictated to. I suppose some one has been running to you with tales," and
Amy's face showed all of its old-time defiance.
"Not exactly, Amy," he answered. "I heard a bit of conversation between a
couple of your acquaintances that made me doubtful, and then some of the
conversation between Nell and you has floated in to me. I wish to know if
you disobeyed and went out again in forbidden company. Is it true, Amy?"
and the pain in his voice should have touched her heart. To him it was the
keenest disappointment that she should fail, not him alone, but her vows to
God.
"Yes, if you must know, I went out with the crowd you are determined to
hate. And I will not have you talking against my friends."
"But, Amy, what about your influence as a young Christian? Besides, will
their association build up a good reputation for you?"
"I suppose I shall have to leave home to have any liberty. I simply will
not be dictated to. Austin, you are too overbearing for anything, and I can
not stand it," and angry tears were close. "Amy, I have not relented in my
decision that if I make a home for you children you must live orderly,
quiet lives.
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