'Tis a hard case a man mayn't sleep in his bed because of a good-for-nothing wench like her.' The next morning, after breakfast, when Mrs Prothero was urging him once more to look for Gladys, and he was vehemently refusing, Miss Gwynne and Miss Hall again made their appearance.
Mr Prothero had to swallow a very broad expression of disgust, as well as to listen politely to that young lady, who persisted in saying she would continue the search for Gladys if he would not.
'I am sorry to annoy you, Mr Prothero,' she said, 'but it is due to Gladys to clear her character; there are plenty of jealous people about us, quite ready to take it away.

I do not wish you to have any more trouble in this matter, but I cannot let it rest until I find the poor girl.

She shall come to me direct, and need not be an eyesore to you.

I will send off in every direction until I find her.' 'I beg your pardon, Miss Gwynne.

If she is to be found, I must do it.