She pushed through the door and walked down the passage. A few steps brought her to the foot of a polished oak staircase, lit by a large window in coloured glass, on either side of which there were statues. The staircase sloped slowly to an imposing landing set out with columns and blue vases and embroidered curtains. The girl saw these things vaguely, and she was conscious of a profusion of rugs, matting, and bright doors, and of her inability to decide which door was the drawing-room door--the drawing-room of which she had heard so much, and where even now, amid gold furniture and sweet-scented air, William listened to the wicked woman who had tempted him away from her. Suddenly William appeared, and seeing Esther he seemed uncertain whether to draw back or come forward. Then his face took an expression of mixed fear and anger; and coming rapidly towards her, he said-- "What are you doing here?"... then changing his voice, "This is against the rules of the 'ouse." "I want to see her." "Anything else? What do you want to say to her? I won't have it, I tell you.... What do you mean by spying after me? That's your game, is it?" "I want to speak to her." With averted face the young lady fled up the oak staircase, her handkerchief to her lips. Esther made a movement as if to follow, but William prevented her. She turned and walked down the passage and entered the kitchen. Her face was one white tint, her short, strong arms hung tremblingly, and William saw that it would be better to temporise. "Now look here, Esther," he said, "you ought to be damned thankful to me for having prevented you from making a fool of yourself." Esther's eyelids quivered, and then her eyes dilated. "Now, if Miss Margaret," continued William, "had--" "Go away! go away! I am--" At that moment the steel of a large, sharp-pointed knife lying on the table caught her eye. She snatched it up, and seeing blood she rushed at him. William retreated from her, and Mrs. Latch, coming suddenly in, caught her arm. Esther threw the knife; it struck the wall, falling with a rattle on the meat screen. Escaping from Mrs. Latch, she rushed to secure it, but her strength gave way, and she fell back in a dead faint. "What have you been doing to the girl?" said Mrs. Latch. "Nothing, mother.... We had a few words, that was all. She said I should not go out with Sarah." "That is not true.... I can read the lie in your face; a girl doesn't take up a knife unless a man well-nigh drives her mad." "That's right; always side against your son! ...If you don't believe me, get what you can out of her yourself." And, turning on his heel, he walked out of the house. Mrs. Latch saw him pass down the yard towards the stables, and when Esther opened her eyes she looked at Mrs. Latch questioningly, unable to understand why the old woman was standing by her. "Are you better now, dear?" "Yes, but--but what--" Then remembrance struggled back. "Is he gone? Did I strike him? I remember that I--"