"Hush, Patty! Let him call me anything that he likes; it makes no
difference at such a time."
"Waitstill knew nothing of my going away till this afternoon,"
continued Patty. "I kept it secret from her on purpose, because I
was afraid she would not approve. I went with Mark Wilson,
and--and--I married him in New Hampshire because we couldn't do
it at home without every-body's knowledge. Now you know all."
"Do you mean to tell me you've gone an' married that reckless,
wuthless, horse-trottin', card-playin' sneak of a Wilson boy
that's courted every girl in town? Married the son of a man that
has quarrelled with me and insulted me in public? By the Lord
Harry, I'll crack this whip over your shoulders once before I'm
done with you! If I'd used it years ago you might have been an
honest woman to-day, instead of a--"
Foxwell Baxter had wholly lost control of himself, and the
temper, that had never been governed or held in check, lashed
itself into a fury that made him for the moment unaccountable for
his words or actions.
Waitstill took a step forward in front of Patty. "Put down that
whip, father, or I'll take it from you and break it across my
knee!" Her eyes blazed and she held her head high.
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