There can be but one command in a house, and I must be the mistress of mine.

You will punish this refractory boy, Mr.Ward, as we have agreed that you should do, and if there is the least resistance on his part, my overseer and servants will lend you aid." In some such words the widow no doubt must have spoken, but with many vehement Scriptural allusions, which it does not become this chronicler to copy.

To be for ever applying to the Sacred Oracles, and accommodating their sentences to your purpose--to be for ever taking Heaven into your confidence about your private affairs, and passionately calling for its interference in your family quarrels and difficulties--to be so familiar with its designs and schemes as to be able to threaten your neighbour with its thunders, and to know precisely its intentions regarding him and others who differ from your infallible opinion--this was the schooling which our simple widow had received from her impetuous young spiritual guide, and I doubt whether it brought her much comfort.
In the midst of his mother's harangue, in spite of it, perhaps, George Esmond felt he had been wrong.

"There can be but one command in the house, and you must be mistress--I know who said those words before you," George said, slowly, and looking very white--"and--and I know, mother, that I have acted wrongly to Mr.Ward." "He owns it! He asks pardon!" cries Harry.

"That's right, George! That's enough: isn't it ?" "No, it is not enough!" cried the little woman.