’He didn’t turn me out.  I ran away.  And it wasn’t along of John Crumb, but because grandfather hauled me about by the hair of my head.’

’But he was angry with you about Mr Crumb.  When a young woman becomes engaged to a young man, she ought not to go back from her word.’  No doubt Mrs Hurtle, when preaching this doctrine, thought that the same law might be laid down with propriety for the conduct of young men.  ’Of course you have brought trouble on yourself.  I am sorry you don’t like the place.  I’m afraid you must go to it now.’

‘I am agoing,—­I suppose,’ said Ruby, probably feeling that if she could but bring herself to condescend so...