Then came a
rush of disappointment as she reflected that the visitor of
Wednesday evenings would call in vain. Hearing that her grandfather
was absent, doubtless he would take his leave at once. Or, would he--
In a minute or two she ran downstairs to exchange a word with Mrs.
Byass. On entering the kitchen she was surprised to see Bessie
sitting idly by the fire. At this hour it was usual for Mr. Byass to
have returned, and there was generally an uproar of laughing talk.
This evening, dead silence, and a noticeable something in the air
which told of trouble. The baby--of course a new baby--lay in a
bassinette near its mother, seemingly asleep; the other child was
sitting in a high chair by the table, clattering 'bricks.'
Bessie did not even look round.
'Is Mr. Byass late?' inquired Jane, in an apprehensive voice.
'He's somewhere in the house, I believe,' was the answer, in
monotone.
'Oh dear!' Jane recognised a situation which had already come under
her notice once or twice during the last six months She drew near,
and asked in a low voice:
'What's happened, Mrs. Byass?'
'He's a beast! If he doesn't mind I shall go and leave him.
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