Margaret’s thoughts were quite alive enough to the present to make her desirous of getting rid of both Mr. Lowe and the cab before she reached Crampton Crescent, for fear of alarming her father and mother.  Beyond that one aim she would not look.  That ugly dream of insolent words spoken about herself, could never be forgotten—­but could be put aside till she was stronger—­for, oh! she was very weak; and her mind sought for some present fact to steady itself upon, and keep it from utterly losing consciousness in another hideous, sickly swoon.

CHAPTER XXIII

MISTAKES

’Which when his mother saw, she in her mind
Was troubled sore, ne wist well what to ween.’ 
Spenser.

Margaret had not been gone five minutes when Mr. Thornton came in, his face all a-glow.

’I could not come sooner:  the superintendent would——­Where is she?’ He looked round the dining-room, and then almost fiercely at his mother, who was quietly re-arranging the disturbed furniture, and did not instantly reply.  ‘Where is Miss Hale?’ asked he again.

‘Gone home,’ said she, rather shortly.

‘Gone home!’

’Yes.  She was a great deal better.  Indeed, I don’t believe it was so very much of a hurt; only some people faint at the least thing.’

‘I am sorry she is gone home,’ said he, walking uneasily about.  ‘She could not have been fit for it.’

’She said she was; and Mr. Lowe said she was.  I went for him myself.’

‘Thank you, mother.’  He stopped, and partly held out his hand to give her a grateful shake.  But she did not notice the movement.

‘What have you done with your Irish people?’

’Sent to the Dragon for a good meal for them, poor wretches.  And then, luckily, I caught Father Grady, and I’ve asked him in to speak to them, and dissuade them from going off in a body.  How did Miss Hale go home?  I’m sure she could not walk.’

’She had a cab.  Everything was done properly, even to the paying.  Let us talk of something else.  She has caused disturbance enough.’

‘I don’t know where I should have been but for her.’

‘Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl?’ asked Mrs. Thornton, scornfully.

He reddened.  ’Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself which were meant for me;—­meant with right down good-will, too.’

‘A girl in love will do a good deal,’ replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.

‘Mother!’ He made a step forwards; stood still; heaved with passion.