CHAPTER II

REBELLION

The man had been gone but a few minutes when the door was again opened
and a girl entered. She was a vision fair to behold as she paused for
an instant while her eyes rested upon the woman crouched before the
fire. She evidently had just come in out of the night, for she wore
her out-of-door cloak, and her hair was somewhat tossed by the violence
of the wind. The rich colour of her cheeks betokened the healthy
exercise of one who had walked some distance. An expression of anxiety
came into her dark-brown eyes as she crossed the room, and bent over
the woman in the chair.

"Mother, mother, what is the matter?" she demanded. "Are you ill?"

"Oh, it's you, Jess, is it?" the woman languidly asked as she lifted
her head. "I thought it was Maggie. I was not expecting you so soon.
What brought you home so early?"

"It must have been my guiding angel," the girl smilingly replied. "So
you were lonely without me? Was that the trouble?"

"Yes, I suppose that had something to do with it. But I am not feeling
well to-night. This room seems very oppressive."

"You are too warm," and the girl glanced down at the fire. Her eyes at