It roused his ire also-the deepest element of revolt in him.

His first impulse was to write but four words in reply--"Go to the devil!"-- but he compromised by telling the boy that there would be no reply.

Then he sat down in his chair and gazed without seeing, contemplating the result of his work.

What would she do about that?
The confounded wretch! Was she going to try to bulldoze him into submission?
He would go up there and have it out with her, that's what he would do.

She was carrying things with too high a hand.