On an afternoon three weeks after Beryl's sudden and inexplainable
departure, the drowsy quiet of the old Manor was broken by a shrill
voice lifted in frenzied protest against Harkness' deeper tones. It
brought Percival Tubbs from his nap, Mrs. Budge from the pantry and
Robin from the library. There in the hall stood poor little Susy, her
old cap pushed back from her flaming cheeks, her eyes dark with fright,
struggling to escape from Harkness' tight hold.
At sight of Robin her voice broke into a strangling sob.
"Oh! Oh! _Oh!_"
"She won't tell me her errand," explained Harkness, looking like a
guilty schoolboy caught in a bully's act.
"Harkness, shame on you! Let her go," cried Robin.
Freed from Harkness' hold Susy ran to Robin and clasped her knees. She
was shaking so violently that she could do nothing more than make funny,
incoherent sounds which were lost in the folds of Robin's skirt.
"See how you've frightened her! Susy-girl, don't. _Don't_. You're with
the big girl. Tell me, what is the matter?"
Suddenly Susy pulled at Robin's hand and, still sobbing, dragged her
resolutely toward the door.
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