"Listen," said Catherine, suddenly, "you want to see my mother?"
"Yes, I certainly want to see her."
"Listen again. I am absolutely determined that you shall not see her."
"But I have a message for her."
"You shall not see her. My mother is not well. I stand between my mother and trouble. I know you are going to bring her trouble; and you shall not see her."
"How can you prevent me?"
"In this way. My mother is away from home. I will take care that she does not return until you have left this place. I am determined."
"Is that true?" asked the girl. "Is she really away from home?"
"Am I likely to tell you a lie? My mother is from home."
The strange girl had been sitting on the grass. Now she rose, pushed back her thick hair, and fixed her eyes on Catherine. Catherine again noticed the singular brightness, the half-wild light in her eyes. Suddenly it was quenched by great tears. They splashed down on her cheeks, and made clean channels where the dust had lain.