Page:Gaskell - North and South, vol. I, 1855.djvu/304

 board, opened a drawer, and took out a duster, which she kept there for any occasional purpose. She had seen a drop of eau de Cologne on the polished arm of the sofa, and instinctively sought to wipe it off. But she kept her back turned to her son much longer than was necessary; and when she spoke, her voice seemed unusual and constrained.

"You have taken some steps about the rioters, I suppose? You don’t apprehend any more violence, do you? Where were the police? Never at hand when they're wanted!"

"On the contrary, I saw three or four of them, when the gates gave way, struggling and beating about in fine fashion; and more came running up just when the yard was clearing. I might have given some of the fellows in charge then, if I had had my wits about me. But there will be no difficulty, plenty of people can identify them."

"But won't they come back to night?" "I'm going to see about a sufficient guard for the premises. I have appointed to meet Captain Hanbury in half an hour at the station."

"You must have some tea first."

"Tea! Yes, I suppose I must. It’s half-past six, and I may be out for some time. Don’t sit up for me, mother."

"You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you?"

"Well, perhaps not." He hesitated for a moment.

"But if I’ve time, I shall go round by Crampton, after I’ve arranged with the police and seen Hamper and Clarkson." Their eyes met; they looked at each other intently for a minute. Then she asked: