Літо
XI
HerpassingpityforMr.Royallhadbeenswallowedupinloathing:everythinginherrecoiledfromthedisgracefulspectacleofthedrunkenoldmanapostrophizingherinthepresenceofabandofloafersandstreet-walkers.Suddenly,vividly,sherelivedagainthehorriblemomentwhenhehadtriedtoforcehimselfintoherroom,andwhatshehadbeforesupposedtobeamadaberrationnowappearedtoherasavulgarincidentinadebauchedanddegradedlife.
Whilethesethoughtswerehurryingthroughhershehaddraggedoutheroldcanvasschool-bag,andwasthrustingintoitafewarticlesofclothingandthelittlepacketoflettersshehadreceivedfromHarney.Fromunderherpincushionshetookthelibrarykey,andlaiditinfullview;thenshefeltatthebackofadrawerforthebluebroochthatHarneyhadgivenher.ShewouldnothavedaredtowearitopenlyatNorthDormer,butnowshefasteneditonherbosomasifitwereatalismantoprotectherinherflight.Thesepreparationshadtakenbutafewminutes,andwhentheywerefinishedAllyHaweswasstillattheFrys’cornertalkingtooldMrs.Sollas....
Shehadsaidtoherself,asshealwayssaidinmomentsofrevolt:“I’llgototheMountain—I’llgobacktomyownfolks.”Shehadneverreallymeantitbefore;butnow,assheconsideredhercase,noothercourseseemedopen.Shehadneverlearnedanytradethatwouldhavegivenherindependenceinastrangeplace,andsheknewnooneinthebigtownsofthevalley,whereshemighthavehopedtofindemployment.
