She was used to these kinds of threats and abuse and she merely scoffed at them. Then her eyes flashed wide.

Pearl. Eloped.

At last the old fool could see clearly what he had done. That was what he got for his sins. She had always known Pearl would humiliate them all. That was what her husband got for bringing bad blood into the family.

"Well, you old fool. Don't blame me. I have warned you so often, I can only say I told you so. You indulged that girl's ill-bred spirit and desires and here's the result. Anyway, I'm off to see Margaret."