"He is not, madam; nor would I permit anyone to do so!"
"I do not understand this! Girl! answer me! What are you to my son?"
Nora was silent.
"Answer me!" said the lady severely.
"I cannot, madam! Oh, forgive me, but I cannot answer you!" said Nora.
The lady looked fixedly at her for a few seconds; something in the girl's appearance startled her; rising, she advanced and pulled the heavy shawl from Nora's shoulders, and regarded her with an expression of mingled hauteur, anger, and scorn.
Nora dropped her head upon her breast and covered her blushing face with both hands.
"I am answered!" said the lady, throwing her shawl upon the floor and touching the bell rope.
Jovial answered the summons.
"Put this vile creature out of the house, and if she ever dares to show her face upon these premises again send for a constable and have her taken up," said Mrs. Brudenell hoarsely and white with suppressed rage, as she pointed to the shrinking girl before her.