"She reached out her hand toward the bell.
"'What are you going to do?' I asked.
"'Ring for my maid,' said she."
[Illustration: "VERY WELL. HERE IT IS" ]
"'Don't,' said I, getting between her and the bell. 'Think; stop, I
implore you. This is our last chance for a reconciliation.'
"She stepped back with a cruel smile. She had a small penknife in her
hand. Her eyes glittered venomously.
"'Reconciliation,' she said, with a sneer. '_I_ don't want it; _I_
don't want _you. You_ came and forced yourself here. Ring for my maid,
and I will let her show you the door.'
"'You can't mean it?' I said.
"'I do mean it,' she replied. 'Ring the bell,' she added, imperiously.
"I stood looking at her.
"'Leave the room, then,' she said.
"'I must have a satisfactory answer,' said I.
"'Very well,' said she. 'Here it is.'
"And saying this she took the penknife by the blade, between her thumb
and finger, and slung it at me. It struck me on the arm, and buried
itself deep in the flesh till it touched the bone. I drew it out, and
without another word left the room. As I went out I heard her
summoning the maid in a loud, stern voice.
"Well, after that I went to the Continent, and spent about six months.
Then I returned.
"On my return I found every thing changed. She had sent off all the
servants, and brought there a lot of ruffians whom she was unable to
manage, and who threw every thing into confusion. All the gentry
talked of her, and avoided the place.
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