Maria’s eyes twinkled.
“You were thinking something about Mr Alison?”
“O Dan, you ought to be ashamed of yourself!” cried Saxa.
“Ought I? Never mind. It was what I suspected, but I wouldn’t let myself believe it. Now, Maria, you speak out. I will know now.”
“I dursn’t, miss.”
“You tell me directly, or it will be the worse for you and for him.”
“I’m sure I don’t know nothing, miss,” said Maria, whimpering, “and you are hurting my arm.”
“And I’m sure you do,” cried Dana, loosening her grip and tearing off her glove. “There,” she said, taking off a ring set with good-sized pearls, “tell me everything and I’ll give you that.”
Maria turned pale with excitement, and her right hand opened and shut.
“I dursn’t, miss,” she whispered hoarsely. “It’s more than my place is worth.”