'I really do not think, father, that a public reproof is likely to make Netta change her mind. You would do better to talk quietly to her.'
Here Mrs Prothero returned, followed by Netta, looking as sulky as she possibly could, and with the traces of tears on her face. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds, during which both Mr Prothero and Netta were getting redder and redder, and their inner man correspondingly choleric. At last the father began the strife.
'Now, I say, Miss Netta,' there was a pause for a few minutes. 'Do you hear, miss?'
'Yes, father, I hear very well,' said Netta, and muttered to herself in continuation, 'who could help it?'
'You hear very well—I should think so. You hear a good deal you've no business to listen to. Do you mean to give up that scamp Howel?'
No reply.
'Now it's no use for you to stand there and say nothing, for an answer I will have.'
'I don't think he's a scamp,' said Netta boldly.
Poor Mrs Prothero trembled, and looked imploringly at Netta.
'My dear Netta, you should not contradict your father,' said Mrs Jonathan, with a severe look.