CHAPTER V.
“I say you shall not,” cried Septima, planting herself firmly before her. “You shall not leave this house to-night.”
“You have no right to keep me here,” panted Daisy. “I am––I am––” The words died away on her lips. Rex had told her she must not tell just yet.
“You are a rash little fool,” cried Septima, wrathfully. “You are the bane of my life, and have been ever since that stormy winter night John brought you here. I told him then to wash his hands of the whole matter; you would grow up a willful, impetuous minx, and turn out at last like your mother.”
Daisy sprung to her feet like lightning, her velvet eyes blazing, her breath coming quick and hot.
“Speak of me as lightly as you will, Aunt Septima,” she cried, “but you must spare my poor mother’s name! Oh, mother, mother!” she cried, flinging herself down on her knees, and sobbing piteously, “if you had only taken me with you, down into the dark cruel waters!”
“I only wish to Heaven she had!” fervently ejaculated Septima.
At that moment a quick, hurried step sounded on the gravel path without, and John Brooks hastily entered the room.