But the freedom was only in theory; her submissive and timid nature kept her at home--and upstairs in her own room; for, if she went to sit with her mother, of necessity she must talk about what had happened, and that she felt unable to do.

Some friend to whom she could unbosom all her sufferings would now have been very precious to her, but Maud and Dora were her only intimates, and to them she might not make the full confession which gives solace.
Mrs Yule did not venture to intrude upon her daughter's privacy.

That Marian neither went out nor showed herself in the house proved her troubled state, but the mother had no confidence in her power to comfort.

At the usual time she presented herself in the study with her husband's coffee; the face which was for an instant turned to her did not invite conversation, but distress obliged her to speak.
'Why are you cross with Marian, Alfred ?' 'You had better ask what she means by her extraordinary behaviour.' A word of harsh rebuff was the most she had expected.

Thus encouraged, she timidly put another question.
'How has she behaved ?' 'I suppose you have ears ?' 'But wasn't there something before that?
You spoke so angry to her.' 'Spoke so angry, did I?
She is out, I suppose ?' 'No, she hasn't gone out.' 'That'll do.