On the impulse, she rushed away, out of
Clerkenwell Close, up St. John Street Road, across City Read, down
to Hanover Street, literally running for most of the time. Her knock
at Mrs. Byass's door was terrific.
'I want to see Jane Snowdon,' was her address to Bessie.
'Do you? I think you might have knocked more like civilisation,'
replied Mrs. Byass, proud of expressing herself with superior
refinement.
But Clem pushed her way forward. Jane, alarmed at the noise, showed
herself on the stairs.
'You just come 'ere!' cried Clem to her. 'I've got something to say
to _you_, Miss!'
Jane was of a sudden possessed with terror, the old terror with
which Clem had inspired her years ago. She shrank back, but Bessie
Byass was by no means disposed to allow this kind of thing to go on
in her house.
'Mrs. Snowdon,' she exclaimed, 'I don't know what your business may
be, but if you can't behave yourself, you'll please to go away a bit
quicker than you came. The idea! Did anyone ever hear!'
'I shan't go till I choose,' replied Clem, 'and that won't be till
I've had my say with that little ----! Where's your father, Jane
Snowdon? You just tell me that.
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