"You're very kind," John Eyre said, and began putting on the children's hats, which lay on the window seat.
Just as they were ready, a flying step passed the window, and in rushed Hetty, looking like a mad girl.
"Miss Flo," she gasped. "Oh, sir, Miss Flo!"
"Where have you been?" said John Eyre sternly.
"Miss Flo! Miss Flo!" cried Hetty.
"You may hear her screams. She is here. I found her half-way down the path. Where were you? Speak, girl!"
"Zelica ran away; I went after her. She—I saw her on the green place at the top of the cliff. She ran off, and I after her. She got into a lane that goes away from the sea, and when I saw that I couldn't catch her, I turned back; but I had lost my way. Oh, I have run till I'm nearly dead, and when I got to the hut—oh, sir!—"
"You left the child, and went away, far enough to lose yourself. I don't know what happened to her, but I think she is dying. Go—go home! Let me never see your face again."
"Oh, Mr. Eyre! I deserve it; but the mistress will have no one to help her."
"I will see to that. Here is your money. Go at once! I cannot bear the sight of you."