Her face was white and drawn, her eyes were filled with fear, and she passed the astonished girl in a blind and stumbling fashion as though she did not see her.
Daisy saw her feebly ascend the stairs, clutching the banisters.
Wondering at this, Miss Kent entered the room.
Morley was standing by the window—the middle window—looking out.
It was open.
He started and turned when Daisy entered, and she saw that he was perturbed also.
"What is the matter?" she asked, coming forward.
"Nothing.
What should be the matter?"
Morley spoke shortly and not in a pleasant tone.
"I thought that Anne, that Miss Denham, looked ill," said Daisy.
"Don't you think you had better leave Miss Denham alone, Daisy, seeing the mischief you have caused?
She has been weeping herself blind here."
"Well, that letter——"
"Oh, that letter is rubbish!" interrupted Morley scornfully. "Miss Denham is a simple, kind woman, and you should take no notice of anonymous correspondence.
However, she is going away to-morrow.
I have just paid her her wages."
"I am glad she is going," said Miss Kent doggedly; "I am afraid of her.
You think she is an angel; I don't."
"I don't think anything about her; but I do think you are a very hysterical girl, and have caused a great deal of unnecessary trouble.
Miss Denham is not in love with Ware, and it is only your absurd jealousy that would accuse her of such a thing.
Besides, this morning you behaved very badly to my wife and myself.
You must go away for a time till we can get over your ungrateful words and conduct."
"I am very sorry," said Daisy humbly, "but it was Anne who disturbed me, and that letter.
I was afraid."
"Then you admit that we have behaved well?"
"You are my best friends."
"Thank you.
And now may I ask what you want?"
"I came to tell you that I am going to church.
I thought you were engaged."
"So I was; but my visitor is gone."
"I know; he went out by that window.
I saw him going down the avenue.
Who is he?"
"A friend of mine.
That is all you need to know.
Did you think it was some one who had to do with the anonymous letter?"
"No, no!" Daisy seemed to be thoroughly ashamed of herself. "But you must admit that the letter was strange."
"So strange that you had better say nothing about it.
Don't mention it to Giles."
"Why not?"
"Because I will find occasion to tell him myself.
I at least will be able to explain without showing jealousy of poor Miss Denham."
"I won't say anything," replied Daisy, with a toss of her head, "but you are all mad about Anne Denham.
I don't believe she is a good woman.
What is the matter with her now?
She seems ill."
"For Heaven's sake don't ask me any further questions," said Morley irritably. "What with your conduct of this morning and other things with which you have no concern I am worried out of my life."
Daisy took the hint and walked away.