“I thought it wasn’t far,” said the sapient Mr. Hogg.
Ned put the key in the lock and flinging the door open revealed Celia Rose, blinking and confused in the sudden sunshine. She drew back as she saw her father and began to cry with considerable fervour.
“How did you get in that shed, miss?” demanded her parent, stamping.
“I—I went there,” she sobbed. “I didn’t want to go away.”
“Well, you’d better stay there,” shouted the overwrought Mr. Rose. “I’ve done with you. A girl that ’ud turn against her own father I—I—”
He drove his right fist into his left palm and stamped out into the road. Lawyer Quince and Mr. Hogg, after a moment’s hesitation, followed.
“The laugh’s agin you, farmer,” said the latter gentleman, taking his arm.
Mr. Rose shook him off.