'You have taken some steps about the rioters, I suppose? You

don't apprehend any more violence, do you? Where were the police?

Never at hand when they're wanted!' 'On the contrary, I saw three or four of them, when the gates

gave way, struggling and beating about in fine fashion; and more

came running up just when the yard was clearing. I might have

given some of the fellows in charge then, if I had had my wits

about me. But there will be no difficulty, plenty of people can

Identify them.' 'But won't they come back to-night?' 'I'm going to see about a sufficient guard for the premises. I

have appointed to meet Captain Hanbury in half an hour at the

station.' 'You must have some tea first.' 'Tea! Yes, I suppose I must. It's half-past six, and I may be out

for some time. Don't sit up for me, mother.' 'You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you?' 'Well, perhaps not.' He hesitated for a moment. 'But if I've

time, I shall go round by Crampton, after I've arranged with the

police and seen Hamper and Clarkson.' Their eyes met; they looked

at each other intently for a minute. Then she asked: 'Why are you going round by Crampton?' 'To ask after Miss Hale.' 'I will send. Williams must take the water-bed she came to ask

for. He shall inquire how she is.' 'I must go myself.' 'Not merely to ask how Miss Hale is?' 'No, not merely for that. I want to thank her for the way in

which she stood between me and the mob.' 'What made you go down at all? It was putting your head into the

lion's mouth!' He glanced sharply at her; saw that she did not

know what had passed between him and Margaret in the

drawing-room; and replied by another question: 'Shall you be afraid to be left without me, until I can get some

of the police; or had we better send Williams for them now, and

they could be here by the time we have done tea? There's no time

to be lost. I must be off in a quarter of an hour.' Mrs. Thornton left the room. Her servants wondered at her

directions, usually so sharply-cut and decided, now confused and

uncertain. Mr. Thornton remained in the dining-room, trying to

think of the business he had to do at the police-office, and in

reality thinking of Margaret. Everything seemed dim and vague

beyond--behind--besides the touch of her arms round his neck--the

soft clinging which made the dark colour come and go in his cheek

as he thought of it.




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