When later they were alone,the girl looked at her mother,her eyes luminous.
"You see,"she began rather breathlessly,"even you must see,he is beginning to drive us away.""I do hope,Eloise,you are not going to indulge in any heroics over this affair,"returned Mrs.Evringham,who had braced herself to meet an attack."Does the unpleasant creature suppose we would stay with him if we were not obliged to?""If we are obliged to,which I don't admit,need you demand further favors than food and shelter?How could you speak of Essex Maid!How can you know in your inmost heart,as you do,that we are eating the bread of charity,and then ask for the apple of his eye!"exclaimed Eloise desperately.
"Go away with your bread and apples,"responded Mrs.Evringham flippantly."I have a real worry now that that wretched little cousin of yours is coming.""She is not my cousin please remember,"responded the girl bitterly.
"Mr.Evringham reminded us of that to-night.""Now don't you begin calling him Mr.Evringham!"protested her mother.
"You don't want to take any notice of the man's absurdities.You will only make matters worse.""No,I shall go on saying grandfather for the little while we stay.
Otherwise,he would know his words were rankling.It willbe a little while?Oh mother!"Mrs.Evringham pushed the pleading hand away."I can't tell how long it will be!"she returned impatiently."We are simply helpless until your father's affairs are settled.I thought I had told you that,Eloise.He worshipped you,child,and no matter what that old curmudgeon says,Lawrence would wish us to remain under his protection until we see our way clear.""Won't you have a business talk with him,so we can know what we have to look forward to?"The girl's voice was unsteady.
"I will when the right time comes,Eloise.Can't you trust your mother?Isn't it enough that we have lost our home,our carriages,all our comforts and luxuries,through this man's bad judgment--""You will cling to that!"despairingly.