She went out past the man who did not try to stop her. She hurried through the rain toward the hollow of lantern light which was approaching.
"Are you all right, Early Ann?" Stud cried. He came running and held up the lantern to look at her. He saw the torn dress and disheveled hair.
"Who was it?" he cried. "Where is he?"
She shook her head.
"You know, but you won't tell."
"Yes."
He pushed past her angrily and went into the mill holding the lantern high. He snatched up a piece of iron pipe and plunged through the dark rooms shouting. A cat rubbed against him, a big black fellow. Stud heard laughter out in the storm, hurried out into the rain, but could find no one.
In the kitchen once more he threw off his wet jacket, hung up the lantern, took Early Ann by the shoulders and tried to make her meet his eyes.
"You're not my daughter," he said. "I ... I could...."
"No, Mr. Brailsford, please!" She was crying quietly.