The first two pages were filled with descriptions of the country and his `` job . '' On the third Tom began abruptly : Look here , Mary Isabel , you are not to let Louisa boss you about as she was doing when I was at home . I was going to speak to you about it before I came away , but I forgot . Lou is a fine girl , but she is too domineering , and the more you give in to her the worse it makes her . You 're far too easy-going for your own welfare , Mary Isabel , and for your own sake I Wish you had more spunk . Do n't let Louisa live your life for you ; just you live it yourself . Never mind if there is some friction at first ; Lou will give in when she finds she has to , and you 'll both be the better for it , I want you to be real happy , Mary Isabel , but you wo n't be if you do n't assert your independence . Giving in the way you do is bad for both you and Louisa . It will make her a tyrant and you a poor-spirited creature of no account in the world . Just brace up and stand firm . When she had read the letter through Mary Isabel took it to her own room and locked it in her bureau drawer . Then she sat by her window , looking out into a sea-sunset , and thought it over . Coming in the strange way it had , the letter seemed a message from the dead , and Mary Isabel had a superstitious conviction that she must obey it . She had always had a great respect for Tom 's opinion . He was right -- oh , she felt that he was right . What a pity she had not received the letter long ago , before the shackles of habit had become so firmly riveted . But it was not too late yet . She would rebel at last and -- how had Tom phrased it -- oh , yes , assert her independence . She owed it to Tom ; It had been his wish -- and he was dead -- and she would do her best to fulfil it . `` I sha n't get a bonnet , '' thought Mary Isabel determinedly .
`` XXXXX would n't have liked me in a bonnet .
Isabel Lou Louisa Tom first right sake sea-sunset spunk tyrant