“Of course,” cried Mrs Glaire. “Where is your promise?”
“Aunt, aunt,” sobbed Eve, “she is fainting. Pray spare her.”
“Spare her!” cried Mrs Glaire. “Why should I? Has she spared us? Go, girl, go; your presence pollutes this place.”
“No, no,” cried Daisy. “You mistake me—indeed you do, Mrs Glaire. I did not come back for what you think.”
“Then why did you come?”
“I cannot—dare not tell you; but where, where is Mr Richard?”
Tom Podmore turned aside, and moved towards the door.
“How dare you ask me,” cried Mrs Glaire, “after the promise you made?”
“Don’t ask me that,” wailed Daisy, struggling to her feet, and wringing her hands wildly. “I can’t find father. I must see Mr Richard. Harry said he hadn’t left the town. Is he here?”
“No, girl,” said Mrs Glaire, turning away, “he is not here.”