... I can read the lie in your face; a girl doesn't take
up a knife unless a man well-nigh drives her mad."
"That's right; always side against your son! ...If you don't believe me,
get what you can out of her yourself." And, turning on his heel, he walked
out of the house.
Mrs. Latch saw him pass down the yard towards the stables, and when Esther
opened her eyes she looked at Mrs. Latch questioningly, unable to
understand why the old woman was standing by her.
"Are you better now, dear?"
"Yes, but--but what--" Then remembrance struggled back. "Is he gone? Did I
strike him? I remember that I--"
"You did not hurt him."
"I don't want to see him again. Far better not. I was mad. I did not know
what I was doing."
"You will tell me about it another time, dear."
"Where is he? tell me that; I must know."
"Gone to the stables, I think; but you must not go after him--you'll see
him to-morrow."
"I do not want to go after him; but he isn't hurt? That's what I want to
know."
"No, he isn't hurt.... You're getting stronger.... Lean on me. You'll
begin to feel better when you are in bed. I'll bring you up your tea."
"Yes, I shall be all right presently. But how'll you manage to get the
dinner?"
"Don't you worry about that; you go upstairs and lie down."
A desolate hope floated over the surface of her brain that William might
be brought back to her.
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