'She's as awful as death,' she said, 'the old lady. As awful as Mr.
Reddin when he's loving. I'm feared, Ed'ard! I'd liefer go.'
But Edward's arm was round her. His hand was on her trembling one.
'You shall not frighten my little one!' he said to his mother; and she went to the kitchen, where, frozen with grief, she remained all morning in a kind of torpor. Martha was afraid she would have a stroke. But she dared not speak to Edward, for, hovering in the passage, she had seen his face as he shut the door.
He made Hazel eat and drink. Then they went out on the hill.
'Now, Hazel,' he said, 'we must have truth between us. Did you go with that man of your own will?'
She was silent.
'You must have done, or why go a second time? Did you?' His eyes compelled her. She shivered.
'Yes, Ed'ard. But I didna want to. I didna!'
'How can both be true?'
'They be.'