They will have to
make themselves as contented at home as possible."
And he left me, and went away to his all-exacting "business."
When I stated what he had said, my sisters were in a transport of
mingled anger and disappointment, and gave utterance to many unkind
remarks against our good, indulgent father. As for my oldest sister,
she declared that she would go in spite of him, and proposed our
visiting the store of a well-known merchant, where we often made
purchases, and buying all we wanted, leaving directions to have the
bill sent in. But I was now on my father's side, and resolutely
opposed all suggestions of disobedience. His manner and words had
touched me, causing some scales to drop from my vision, so that I
could see in a new light, and perceive things in a new aspect.
We waited past the usual time for my father's coming on that day,
and then dined without him. A good deal to our surprise he came home
about four o'clock, entering with an unusual quiet manner, and going
up to his own room without speaking to any one of the family.
"Was that your father?" We were sitting together, still discussing
the question of Saratoga and Newport. It was my mother who asked the
question. We had heard the street door open and close, and had also
heard footsteps along the passage and up the stairs.
"It is too early for him to come home," I answered.
My mother looked at her watch, and remarked, as a shade of concern
flitted over her face,
"It certainly was your father.
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