“Young gentlemen,” she began; they all took off their hats in mock deference.  “A woman preaching, I declare.”  “Go on.  Madam, hear! hear! hear!” said the young Crosses.  “Young gentlemen,” continued Emilie, with emphasis, “it is to you I am speaking.  I am determined that those fire-works shall not be let off, if I can prevent it, on Mr. Crosse’s premises.  If you will not give up your intention, I shall walk to L—­, and inform your father, and you know very well how displeased he will be.”

“Who says we are going to let them off on Mr. Crosse’s premises?” said Fred, fiercely.  “You are very interfering Miss Schomberg, will you go back to your our own business, and to little Edith.”

“I will go to L——­, master Fred,” said Emilie, firmly, but kindly.  “I shall be sorry to get you into trouble, and I would rather not take the walk, but I shall certainly do what I say if you persist.”

The boys looked doubtfully at one another.  Fred seemed a little disposed to yield, but to be conquered by his sister’s governess was very humiliating.  However, they knew from Edith’s account that Emilie, though kind, was firm; and, therefore, after a little further altercation, they agreed not to send up the fire-works that night, but they promised her at the same time that she should not hear the last of it.  They returned to the farm much out of humour, and having hidden them in the box of the pony gig, came in just in time for supper.

The ride home was a silent one; Edith saw that her brothers were put out, and began to think she did not like Emilie Schomberg to live with at all.  Emilie had done right, but she had a hard battle to fight; all were against her.  No one likes to be contradicted, or as Fred said, to be managed.  Emilie, however, went steadily on, speaking the truth, but speaking it in love, and acting always “as seeing Him who is invisible.”

CHAPTER FIFTH.

EDITH’S TRIALS.

“Now, Emilie, what do you think of my life?” said Edith, one day after she and Fred had had one of their usual squabbles.  “What do you think of Fred now?”

“I think, Edith, dear, that I would try and win him over to love and affection, and not thwart and irritate him as you do.  Have you forgotten old Joe’s maxim, ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath?’ but your grievous words too often stir up strife.  You told me the other day, dear, how much the conduct of Sarah Murray pleased you; now you may act towards John and Fred as Sarah did to little Susy.”

Edith shook her head.  “It is not in me, Emilie, I am afraid.”

“No, dear,” said Emilie, “you are right, it is not in you.”

“Well then what is the use of telling me to do things impossible?”

“I did not say impossible, Edith, did I?”

“No, but you say it is not in me to be gentle and all that, and I dare say it is not; but you don’t get much the better thought of, gentle as you are.  Miss Schomberg.  John and Fred don’t behave better to you than they do to me, so far as I see.”