Anne looked up with hope in her eyes. "Oh, I..." And then she thought of how her father would react - either to asking, or to just not coming home. It would make things even worse. She remembered Simon sometimes not coming home an entire night and how her father had been livid. She did not want to be the next Simon. And yet she was already afraid to go back home. At least Mrs. Blacke would protect her, wouldn't she? "I... I don't think me father would like it much..." she said hesitantly, though she was also afraid of Mrs. Blacke withdrawing the offer.