"And I thought you had more spirit," she stormed. "This has got to be fought out or we'll never be masters in Anderby again."
Her voice was still high-pitched. Her cheeks were flushed. Her breath came in sharp sobs. John looked her up and down, more bewildered than annoyed.
"I think you'd better go and lie down again, honey," he suggested mildly.
Mary turned on him with fury. Then suddenly as it had come her rage departed. Without a word she turned and fled up the passage her hands pressed to her mouth to check the sobs that seemed to choke her.
John looked slowly after her retreating figure and saw Violet's white face emerging from the pantry door.
"Is this the strike, sir?" she asked tremulously.
"Yes, this is the strike all right," said John.
Chapter XVII
LADIES AT MARKET BURTON