Hester was still behind the counter, but had moved so as to be near the window; so she heard what they were saying, and now put in her word:
‘She can’t be altogether bad, for she thought o’ telling her mother first thing, according to what she said.’
Sylvia gave Hester a quick, grateful look. But Hester had resumed her gaze out of the window, and did not see the glance.
And now Molly Corney joined them, hastily bursting into the shop.
‘Hech!’ said she. ‘Hearken! how they’re crying and shouting down on t’ quay. T’ gang’s among ‘em like t’ day of judgment. Hark!’
No one spoke, no one breathed, I had almost said no heart beat for listening. Not long; in an instant there rose the sharp simultaneous cry of many people in rage and despair. Inarticulate at that distance, it was yet an intell
