It was not until many days after the disasters that had befallen the family that Willy Ray recovered enough self-possession to engage once more in his ordinary occupations.

He had spent the first few days in the room with his stricken mother, almost as unconscious as herself of what was going on about him; and indeed his nature had experienced a shock only less serious.
Meantime, Rotha undertook the management of the home-stead.

None ever disputed her authority.

The tailor's daughter had stepped into her place as head of the household at the Moss, and ruled it by that force of will which inferior natures usually obey without question, and almost without consciousness of servitude.

She alone knew rightly what had to be done.
As for the tailor himself, he had also submitted--at least partially--to his daughter's passive government.