Wordley, and
that he had been too indignant to acquaint the Herons with the fact.
"I think I had better run down to Herondale, Maria, and ascertain if
the erring and desperate girl has returned there," he said, one morning
after prayers. "Seeing that she left my roof in so unseemly a fashion,
with no word of regret or repentance, I do not consider that she has
any further claim upon me; but I have a tender heart, and on this
occasion I will be generous before I am just."
"I am sure she has no further claim upon us," said Mrs. Heron, with a
sniff, "and I hope you will make it plain, John, that on no account can
we take her back. We have been put to considerable trouble and expense,
and I really think that her going without any fuss is quite
providential."
At this moment there came a double knock at the door, and the servant
announced that Mr. Wordley was in the drawing-room. Mr. and Mrs. Heron
exchanged glances, and both of them turned rather pale; for John Heron
had a very vivid recollection of Mr. Wordley's frank and candid manner
of expressing himself. But he had to be faced, and the pair went down
into the drawing-room with a long-suffering expression on their faces.
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