“I will return straight here after I have done my business. You will be sure to enquire after them?—after her?”
Mrs. Thornton was by no means a talkative companion to Fanny, nor yet a good listener while her son was absent. But on his return, her eyes and ears were keen to see and to listen to all the details which he could give, as to the steps he had taken to secure himself, and those whom he chose to employ, from any repetition of the day’s outrages. He clearly saw his object. Punishment and suffering were the natural consequences to those who had taken part in the riot. All that was necessary, in order that property should be protected, and that the will of the proprietor might cut to his end, clean and sharp as a sword.
“Mother! You know what I have got to say to Miss Hale, to-morrow?”
The question came upon her suddenly, during a pause in which she, at least, had forgotten Margaret.
She looked up at him.
“Yes! I do. You can hardly do otherwise.”
“Do otherwise! I don’t understand you.”
“I mean that, after allowing her feelings so to overcome her, I consider you bound in honour—”
“Bound in honour,” said he scornfully. “I’m afraid honour has nothing to do with it. ‘Her feelings overcome her!’ What feelings do you mean?”
“Nay, John, there is no need to be angry. Did she not rush down and cling to you to save you from danger?”