"Even if it ends at this--even if you won't hear me out--it is something that you have had one night and one morning free from insult, discomfort, and annoyance." Rachel felt half frightened and half indignant.

Steel was standing up, looking very earnestly down upon her.

And something that she had dimly divined in the very beginning--only to chide herself for the mere thought--that thing was in his face and in his voice.

Rachel made a desperate attempt to change the subject, but, as will be seen, an unlucky one.
"So I am supposed to be your daughter!" she exclaimed nervously.

"May I ask my new name ?" "If you like; but I am going to suggest to you a still newer name, Mrs.
Minchin." Rachel tried to laugh, though his quietly determined and serious face made it more than difficult.
"Do you mean that I am not to be your daughter any longer, Mr.Steel ?" "Not if I can help it.