"You gave me my life, and I'm thankful to you for that, but
you've given me little since, father."
"Hain't I fed an' clothed you?"
"No more than I have fed and clothed you. You've provided the raw
food, and I've cooked and served it. You've bought and I have
made shirts and overalls and coats for you, and knitted your
socks and comforters and mittens. Not only have I toiled and
saved and scrimped away my girlhood as you bade me, but I've
earned for you. Who made the butter, and took care of the hens,
and dried the apples, and 'drew in' the rugs? Who raised and
ground the peppers for sale, and tended the geese that you might
sell the feathers? No, father, I don't consider that I'm in your
debt!"
XXX
A CLASH OF WILLS
DEACON FOXWELL BAXTER was completely non-plussed for the first
time in his life. He had never allowed "argyfyin'" in his
household, and there had never been a clash of wills before this
when he had not come off swiftly and brutally triumphant. This
situation was complicated by the fact that he did not dare to
apply the brakes as usual, since there were more issues involved
than ever before. He felt too stunned to deal properly with this
daughter, having emptied all the vials of his wrath upon the
other one, and being, in consequence, somewhat enfeebled.
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