'Don't please interrupt me. I have given you a perfectly free
hand, and you have organized the work--your share of it--as you
please. Nobody else is the least likely to do it in the same way.
When you go, it drops. And when your share drops, mine drops.
That's what comes of employing a woman of ability, and trusting to
her--as I have trusted to you!'
Was there ever any attack so grotesque, so unfair? Elizabeth was for
one moment inclined to be angry--and the next, she was conscious of
yieldings and compunctions that were extremely embarrassing.
'You rate my help a great deal too high,' she said after a moment.
'It is you yourself who have taught me how to work in your way. I
don't think you will have any real difficulty with another
secretary. You are'--she ventured a smile--'you are a born teacher.'
Never was any compliment less successful. The Squire looked sombrely
down upon her.
'So you _still_ intend to leave us,' he said slowly, 'after what I
have done?'
'What have you done?' said Elizabeth faintly.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254