Nell’s chin quivered at the question. “Oh, there’s been a frightful row,” she said. “But I mustn’t tell you anything about it. Arthur would be furious if he knew.”
“You needn’t be afraid of that,” said Frances. “He won’t know.”
“Thank you,” the girl said, and dried her eyes. “But I can’t tell you all the same. It wouldn’t be fair. You don’t know the beast’s ways, and it’s a good thing you don’t. Please don’t ask me anything—or I shall say too much! I know I shall.”
“My dear, I don’t want you to tell me anything against your will,” Frances said kindly.
“No, it isn’t that,” Nell said. “But I don’t want you to think you ought to go. We’ve been so glad to have you. We’ve loved looking after you. But there’s never any peace—and never will be so long as Arthur—” She broke off abruptly. “Oh, I’d better go. I’m making a muddle of things, and there’ll be a worse row if he finds out.”
She left the room precipitately, and Frances was again alone. She closed her eyes to think. Something in Nell’s confused words had given her a shock.
So they wanted her gone! That was what it amounted to. She had outstayed her welcome, and she must go. The thought of all the kindness they had showered upon her sent a pang to her heart. How good they had been to the unwelcome stranger within their gates! And all the while there had been no peace at Tetherstones because of the black-browed master who wanted her gone.
No peace at Tetherstones, and how nobly they had striven to keep it from her! Ah well, she knew now—she knew now!
Her hand clenched unconsciously, and she became aware of the letter she held. A great wave of feeling went through her. Her eyes were suddenly full of tears. Ah, if it had been Love that called her! If it had been Love!