She had done nothing but cry when her mother had reasoned with her.
'Very well, miss.

All I can say is, that if you meet him again I'll--I'll--I'll--' the good farmer did not know what he would do.

He was not prepared to say.
'He is gone to London, father,' 'Will you promise not to meet him any more, you good-for-nothing girl, you?
You most disobedient daughter!' Again Netta was silent.
'Will you promise your father, Netta,' said Mrs Prothero, gently, 'not to meet Howel again, or have anything to say to him, without his consent ?' Still Netta was silent.
'He may reform, you know,' suggested Mrs Jonathan, 'and then you may be allowed to marry,' 'No chance of that,' roared Mr Prothero, advancing towards Netta, taking her by the arm, and looking as if a few more of her rejoinders would bring her a good shaking.

'Do you mean to promise, miss ?' 'Father, you're hurting me,' said Netta petulantly.

'You needn't pinch me so.' Mr Prothero relaxed his hold.