Page:The wheels of chance -- a bicycling idyll.djvu/323

Rh won't go back," she said, "to have it as I did before. I want a room of my own, what books I need to read, to be free to go out by myself alone, Teaching—"

"Anything," said Mrs. Milton; "anything in reason."

"But will you keep your promise?" said Jessie.

"Surely you won't dictate to your mother!" said Widgery.

"My stepmother! I don't want to dictate. I want definite promises now."

"This is most unreasonable," said the clergyman.

"Very well," said Jessie, swallowing a sob but with unusual resolution. "Then I won't go back. My life is being frittered away—"

"Let her have her way," said Widgery.

"A room then. All your Men. I'm not to come down and talk away half my days—"

"My dear child, if only to save you," said Mrs. Milton.

"If you don't keep your promise—"

"Then I take it the matter is practically concluded," said the clergyman. "And that you very properly submit to return to your proper home. And now, if I may offer a suggestion, it is that we take tea. Freed of its tannin, nothing, I think, is more refreshing and stimulating."