If he goes, he disobeys me; and if he disobeys me, he must be punished." "But, Andrew--" "It is useless to argue about this with me, Esther.

Entirely useless.

In your weakness you would indulge and ruin the boy.

But I know my duty better." Mrs.Howland sighed deeply and remained silent.

Some ten minutes afterwards, seeing her husband engaged with a book, she arose and left the room.