Clara read what his eyes expressed; she trembled with responsive hostility.
'No, it doesn't concern me,' Sidney replied, half turning away.

'But it's perhaps as well you should know that Mrs.Tubbs is doing her best to take away your good name.

However little we are to each other, it's my duty to tell you that, and put you on your guard.

I hope your father mayn't hear these stories before you have spoken to him yourself.' Clara listened with a contemptuous smile.
'What has she been saying ?' 'I shan't repeat it.' As he gazed at her, the haggardness of her countenance smote like a sword-edge through all the black humours about his heart, piercing the very core of love and pity.

He spoke in a voice of passionate appeal.
'Clara, come home before it is too late! Come with me--now--come at once?
Thank heaven you have got out of that place! Come home, and stay there quietly till we can find you something better.' 'I'll die rather than go home!' was her answer, flung at him as if in hatred.