Daisy entered as he spoke, looking very pale and anxious-eyed, hastened through the kitchen, and went upstairs to take off her hat and jacket.
“Just you make haste down, miss,” said Mrs Banks, tartly.
“I don’t want any supper, mother,” said the girl, hurriedly.
“Then I want thee to ha’e some!” exclaimed Mrs Banks; “so look sharp.”
Daisy gave a sigh and hurried upstairs, and, as the door closed, Joe brought his hand down on the table with a thump that made the cups and saucers dance.
“Now, look here, old woman—that’s my bairn, and I wean’t have her wherrited. If she is—”
“I’m going to say what’s on my mind, Joe, when it’s for my child’s good,” said Mrs Banks, stoutly.
“Are you?” said Joe, taking another cup of tea and undoing another button; “then so am I. Lookye here, my lass! I wouldn’t ha’ took a step to throw Daisy in young Maister’s way, but as he’s took to her, why, I wean’t ha’ it interfered wi’—so now, then.”
“Don’t blame me, then, Joe; that’s all,” said Mrs Banks.
“Who’s going to?” said Joe. “So now let’s have none of your clat.”