"I said he was at work in the sheds."
"What's Champney Googe doing in the sheds?"
"Earning his living, I suppose, like other men."
Almeda Champney was silent for a while. Aileen could but wonder what the thoughts might be that were filling the shrivelled box of the brain—what were the feelings in the ossifying heart of the woman who had denied help to one of her own blood in time of need. Had she any feeling indeed, except that for self?
"Have you seen him?"
"No."
"I should think he would want to hide his head for shame."
"I don't see why." She spoke defiantly.
"Why? Because I don't see how after such a career a man can hold up his head among his own."
Aileen bit her under lip to keep back the sharp retort. She chose another and safer way.