Then Joan went back to her nets and sat down without a word.
“I was in St. Penfer on business, and I thought you would like to know––might like to know––you see, I was here on business––”
He was growing every moment more uncomfortable and embarrassed, for Joan bent busily over her work and her back was to him.
“You see, I was here on business. I wanted to see my sister. I thought you would like to know about Denas.”
She turned suddenly on him and asked: “Where be my child?”
“I left Denas in London.”
“You be a coward. You be a tenfold coward. Why didn’ you bring your wife home with you? Did Denas send me no letter––no word for myself––for my heart only? Speak then; I want my letter.”
“I left in a hurry. She had no time to write.”
“Aw, then, why did you come here without a word of comfort? You be cruel as well as cowardly. No word! No letter! No time! There then! take yourself away from my door. ’Twas a wisht cruel thought brought you here. Aw, then, a thought out of your own heart. You be a bad man! dreadful! dreadful!”