"But, by God! he shall hear of it."
He rang the bell with fury.
"It's no use your ringin', sir. Eldred's out."
"What have you done this for?"
"To get the child out of harm's way, sir. We're not blamin' you, sir. We're blamin' 'er."
"Her? Her?"
"Properly speakin', we're not blamin' anybody. We're no great ones for blamin', me and Eldred. But, if you'll excuse my sayin' so, sir, there's a party would be glad of your rooms next month, a party takin' the 'ole 'ouse, and if you would be so good as to try and suit yourself elsewhere——Though we don't want to put you to no inconvenience, sir."
It was extraordinary, but the more Mrs. Eldred's meaning was offensive, the more her manner was polite. He reflected long afterwards that, really, a lady, in such difficult circumstances, could hardly have acquitted herself better.
"Oh, is that all? I'll go. But you'll give me Rose's address."
"You leave Rose alone, sir. Rose's address don't concern you."