“What’s the meaning of this?” said Mr. Verinder tragically, in spite of the commonplace character of the question.
“I am sorry, father, for any trouble and anxiety I have caused—but I couldn’t help it.”
“Couldn’t help it?”
“I mean, you were keeping me a prisoner. Well, I had to break my prison.”
“Where have you been?”
Emmeline remained silent.
“Emmeline, why don’t you answer?” said her mother. “Can’t you see what I’m suffering?”
“Leave her to me,” said Mr. Verinder. “You have been with that man?”
“Yes—if by that man you mean Mr. Dyke”; and Emmeline squared her shoulders and looked her father full in the face.