I just wished to vanish.

I don't suppose they have ever troubled to inquire for me.

Who cares about a ruined and disgraced man ?" "_I_ care, Dad," said Lorna.

"I'm only fifteen and I can't understand everything, but if you'll let me the least little bit take Mother's place, may I try?
I'm not much, but perhaps I'm better than nobody, and we two seem all alone in the world." For the first time in five years the barrier between them was down, and Lorna was hugging her father as in the old happy childish days.

To know all is to forgive all, and her resentment against his treatment of her turned into a deep pitying love.