“For the same reason, I suppose, that would make a father who knew his child was in peril act in the same way.”
“It is very, very kind of you; but you will be heard, and it will only cause fresh trouble.”
“It can cause no greater than has come to us, my child. I was half-way to London, but I could not go on; so I got out at a station ten miles away, walked into the village close by, and found a fly and a man to drive me over. I wanted to know how you were getting on. Have you seen them again?”
“No. I came straight to my room, and have not left it since.”
“Good girl! That was very brave of you. Then you took my advice.”
“Of course.”
“And Master Claud?”
He felt her start and shudder.
“Don’t talk about him, please. But there, I am very grateful to you for being so kind and thoughtful, and for your brave defence.”
“Brave nonsense, my child!” he said bluntly. “I did as any man of right feeling would have done if he found a ruffian insulting a weak, helpless girl. Kate, my dear, my blood has been boiling ever since. I could not go back and leave you in this state; I was compelled to come and see you and have a little consultation about your future. I felt that I must do it before seeing James Wilton again. Not a very reputable way, this, of coming to a man’s house, even if he is a connection of mine; not respectful to you, either, my child, but I felt certain that if I came to the door and asked to see you I should have been refused entrance.”