 word of harsh rebuff was the most she had expected. Thus encouraged, she
timidly put another question.
    »How has she behaved?«
    »I suppose you have ears?«
    »But wasn't there something before that? You spoke so angry to her.«
    »Spoke so angry, did I? She is out, I suppose?«
    »No, she hasn't gone out.«
    »That'll do. Don't disturb me any longer.«
    She did not venture to linger.
    The breakfast next morning seemed likely to pass without any interchange of
words. But when Yule was pushing back his chair, Marian - who looked pale and
ill - addressed a question to him about the work she would ordinarily have
pursued to-day at the Reading-room. He answered in a matter-of-fact tone, and
for a few minutes they talked on the subject much as at any other time. Half an
hour after, Marian set forth for the Museum in the usual way. Her father stayed
at home.
    It was the end of the episode for the present. Marian felt that the best
thing would be to ignore what had happened, as her father evidently purposed
doing. She had asked his forgiveness, and it was harsh in him to have repelled
her; but by now she was able once more to take into consideration all his trials
and toils, his embittered temper and the new wound he had received. That he
should resume his wonted manner was sufficient evidence of regret on his part.
Gladly she would have unsaid her resentful words; she had been guilty of a
childish outburst of temper, and perhaps had prepared worse sufferings for the
future.
    And yet, perhaps it was as well that her father should be warned. She was
not all submission, he might try her beyond endurance; there might come a day
when perforce she must stand face to face with him, and make it known she had
her own claims upon life. It was as well he should hold that possibility in
view.
    This evening no work was expected of her. Not long after dinner she prepared
for going out; to her mother she mentioned she should be back about ten o'clock.
    »Give my regards to them, dear - if you like to,« said Mrs Yule just above
her breath.
    »Certainly I will.«
 

                                   Chapter 14

                                    Recruits

Marian walked to the nearest point of Camden Road, and there waited for an
omnibus, which conveyed her to within easy reach of the Street where Maud and
Dora Milvain had their lodgings. This
