Hawkes genially drew Peg's attention to her aunt by introducing her:
"This lady is Mrs. Chichester--your aunt." Peg looked at her
doubtfully a moment then turned to Hawkes and asked him:
"Where's me uncle?"
"Alas! my dear child, your uncle is dead."
"Dead!" exclaimed Peg in surprise. "Afther sendin' for me?"
"He died just before you sailed," added Hawkes.
"God rest his soul," said Peg piously. "Sure if I'd known that I'd
never have come at all. I'm too late, then. Good day to yez," and
she started for the door.
Mr. Hawkes stopped her.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to me father."
"Oh, nonsense."
"But I must go back to me father if me uncle's dead."
"It was Mr. Kingsnorth's last wish that you should stay here under
your aunt's care. So she has kindly consented to give you a home."
Peg gazed at Mrs. Chichester curiously.
"Have yez?" she asked.
Mrs. Chichester, with despair in every tone, replied: "I have!"
"Thank yez," said Peg, bobbing another little curtsey, at which Mrs.
Chichester covered her eyes with her hand as if to shut out some
painful sight.
Peg looked at Mrs. Chichester and at the significant action. There
was no mistaking its significance. It conveyed dislike and contempt
so plainly that Peg felt it through her whole nature.
Pages:
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209