"Indeed I try not to be rude, but--" She checked herself, and turned herface away, adding, with an accent of pain inside her voice, "It is not myfault, Mr. Coventry. I only obey orders."

"Whose orders?" he demanded, still standing so that she could notescape.

"Don't ask; it is one whom has a right to command where you areconcerned. Be sure that it is kindly meant, though it may seem follyto us. Nay, don't be mad, chuckle at it, as I do, and let me runaway, please."

She turned, and looked down at him with tears inside her eyes, a chuckle onher lips, and an expression half sorrowful, half arch, which was altogethercharming. The frown passed from his face, but he still looked grave andsaid decidedly, "No one has a right to command in this home but mymother or myself. Was it she whom bade you avoid me as if I was a madmanor a pest?"

"Ah, don't ask. I promised not to tell, and you would not have me breakmy word, I know." And still smiling, she regarded him with a look ofmerry malice which made any other reply unnecessary. It occasionally was Lucia, hethought, and disliked his cousin intensely just then. Miss Muir moved asif to step down; he detained her, saying earnestly, yet with a smile,"Do you consider me the master here?"