"That is not true…. I can read the lie in your face; a girl doesn't take up a knife unless a man well-nigh drives her mad."
"That's right; always side against your son! …If you don't believe me, get what you can out of her yourself." And, turning on his heel, he walked out of the house.
Mrs. Latch saw him pass down the yard towards the stables, and when Esther opened her eyes she looked at Mrs. Latch questioningly, unable to understand why the old woman was standing by her.
"Are you better now, dear?"
"Yes, but—but what—" Then remembrance struggled back. "Is he gone? Did I strike him? I remember that I—"
"You did not hurt him."
"I don't want to see him again. Far better not. I was mad. I did not know what I was doing."
"You will tell me about it another time, dear."
"Where is he? tell me that; I must know."
"Gone to the stables, I think; but you must not go after him—you'll see him to-morrow."