manner. She could not know how intensely distasteful was her presence at this
time, nor had Holcroft himself imagined how unwelcome a third person in his
house could be until he saw the intruder before him. He had only felt that he
was wonderfully contented and happy in his home, and that Jane would be a
constant source of annoyance and restraint. Moreover, it might lead to
visitation from Mrs. Mumpson, and that was the summing up of earthly ills.
But the child's appearance and manner were so forlorn and deprecating that
words of irritation died upon his lips. He gravely shook hands with her and
then drew out the story which Alida had learned.

"Why, Jane," he exclaimed, frowning, "Mr. Watterly will be scouring the
country for you. I shall have to take you back right after dinner."

"I kinder hoped," she sobbed, "that you'd let me stay. I'd stay in the barn
if I couldn't be in the house. I'd just as soon work outdoors, too."

"I don't think you'd be allowed to stay," said the farmer, with a sinking
heart; "and then--perhaps your mother would be coming here."

"I can't stand mother no more'n you can" said the girl, through her set teeth.
"I oughtn'ter been born, for there's no place for me in the world."

Holcroft looked at his wife, his face expressive of the utmost annoyance,
worry, and irresolution. Her glance was sympathetic, but she said nothing,
feeling that if he could make the sacrifice from his own will he should have
the chance. "You can't begin to know how much trouble this may lead to, Jane,"
he resumed. "You remember how your other threatened to take the law upon me,
and it wouldn't be possible for you to stay here without her consent."

"She oughter consent; I'll make her consent!" cried the child, speaking as if