"An apology, my dear Mrs.Denys, does not condone the offence.

It is wholly against my principles to spare the rod when it is so richly merited, and I shall not do so on this occasion.
Will you kindly do as I have requested ?" It was final, and Avery knew it.

Mrs.Lorimer knew it also, and burst into hysterical crying.
Avery turned swiftly.

"Go upstairs, dear!" she said to Gracie, and Gracie went like an arrow.
Mrs.Lorimer started to her feet.

"Stephen! Stephen!" she cried imploringly.
But her husband turned a deaf ear.