"It was Mr. Kingsnorth's last wish that you should stay here under your aunt's care. So she has kindly consented to give you a home."
Peg gazed at Mrs. Chichester curiously.
"Have yez?" she asked.
Mrs. Chichester, with despair in every tone, replied: "I have!"
"Thank yez," said Peg, bobbing another little curtsey, at which Mrs. Chichester covered her eyes with her hand as if to shut out some painful sight.
Peg looked at Mrs. Chichester and at the significant action. There was no mistaking its significance. It conveyed dislike and contempt so plainly that Peg felt it through her whole nature. She turned to Alaric and found him regarding her as though she were some strange animal. Ethel did not deign to notice her. And this was the family her father had sent her over to England to be put in amongst. She whispered to Hawkes:
"I can't stay here."
"Why not?" asked the lawyer.
"I'd be happier with me father," said Peg.
"Nonsense. You'll be quite happy here. Quite."