"Is that the way you dare to speak to me?
Have you anything more to say before I whip you ?" "Yes," answered Ida, goaded to desperation.

"I shall complain of you to the police, just as soon as I get a chance, and they will put you in jail and send me home.

That is what I will do." Mrs.Hardwick was incensed, and somewhat startled at these defiant words.

It was clear that Ida was not going to be a meek, submissive child, whom they might ill-treat without apprehension.

She was decidedly dangerous, and her insubordination must be nipped in the bud.