Maggie tried to keep down her shivering alarm.
It was long since she had seen him; and the old idea of his kind, genial disposition, had been sadly disturbed by what she had heard from Frank, of his severe proceedings against his unworthy tenantry; and now, if he was setting the police in search of Edward, he was indeed to be dreaded; and with Edward so close at hand, within earshot! If the china fell! He would suspect nothing from that; it would only be her own terror.

If her mother came down! But, with all these thoughts, she was very still, outwardly, as she sat waiting for him to speak.
"Have you heard from your brother lately ?" asked he, looking up in an angry and disturbed manner.

"But I'll answer for it he has not been writing home for some time.

He could not, with the guilt he has had on his mind.

I'll not believe in gratitude again.