"Aye—of course you did," he said in haste. "But mother's never yan to talk aboot letters. And you haven't dropped us a line since, have you?" he added, almost with timidity.
"No. I thought I'd surprise you. We've been a fortnight at Bannisdale."
His face flushed and darkened.
"Then you've been a fortnight in a queer place!" he said with a sudden, almost a violent change of tone. "I wonder you can bide so long under that man's roof!"
She stared.
"Do you mean because he disliked my father?"
"Oh, I don't know nowt about that!" He paused. His young face was crimson, his eyes angry and sinister. "He's a snake—is Helbeck!" he said slowly, striking his hands together as they hung over his knees.
Laura recoiled—instinctively straightening herself.
"Mr. Helbeck is quite kind to me," she said sharply. "I don't know why you speak of him like that. I'm staying there till my stepmother gets strong."
He stared at her, still red and obstinate.