'There's two of us that way, Ruby;--for I know what I'm about.'
'I shall just go then.' And Ruby walked off towards the door.
'You won't get out that way, any way, for the door's locked;--and the area gate. You'd better be said, Ruby, and just take your things off.'
Poor Ruby for the moment was struck dumb with mortification. Mrs Pipkin had given her credit for more outrageous perseverance than she possessed, and had feared that she would rattle at the front door, or attempt to climb over the area gate. She was a little afraid of Ruby, not feeling herself justified in holding absolute dominion over her as over a servant. And though she was now determined in her conduct,--being fully resolved to surrender neither of the keys which she held in her pocket,--still she feared that she might so far collapse as to fall away into tears, should Ruby be violent. But Ruby was crushed. Her lover would be there to meet her, and the appointment would be broken by her! 'Aunt Pipkin,' she said, 'let me go just this once.'
'No, Ruby;--it ain't proper.'
'You don't know what you're a doing of, aunt; you don't. You'll ruin me,--you will. Dear Aunt Pipkin, do, do! I'll never ask again, if you don't like.'
Mrs Pipkin had not expected this, and was almost willing to yield. But Mr Carbury had spoken so very plainly! 'It ain't the thing, Ruby; and I won't do it.'
'And I'm to be--a prisoner! What have I done to be--a prisoner? I don't believe as you've any right to lock me up.'
'I've a right to lock my own doors.'
'Then I shall go away to-morrow.'
'I can't help that, my dear. The door will be open to-morrow, if you choose to go out.'
'Then why not open it to-night? Where's the difference?' But Mrs Pipkin was stern, and Ruby, in a flood of tears, took herself up to her garret.
Mrs Pipkin knocked at Mrs Hurtle's door again. 'She's gone to bed,' she said.
'I'm glad to hear it. There wasn't any noise about it;--was there?'
'Not as I expected, Mrs Hurtle, certainly. But she was put out a bit. Poor girl! I've been a girl too, and used to like a bit of outing as well as any one,--and a dance too; only it was always when mother knew. She ain't got a mother, poor dear! and as good as no father. And she's got it into her head that she's that pretty that a great gentleman will marry her.'