Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/131

126 that was almost irresponsible. But he would not permit himself to listen to any suggestion that would excuse Aske's offence.

After reading his mails at the mill he called in Ben Holden. "Ben," he said, as he planted himself squarely on the hearthrug—"Ben, my daughter came back to me last night."

"Does ta mean she hes left her husband?"

"Ay, I do."

Ben walked to the window and looked out. After a minute's reflection, he turned to Burley and said, "Send her home, Jonathan."

"I'll not. Why—a—Aske struck her!"

"I'll be bound she deserved it."

For in Ben's opinion Aske had committed no very heinous offence. Englishmen had a legal right to chastise their disobedient wives, and if Solomon had extended the rod to them as well as to the children, Ben would have had a much higher opinion of him as the wisest of men.

"Still, I say, send her home," he added.

"Thou may give good counsel, but I'm none fool enough to take it."

"Mind this, Burley, them that pick a quarrel wi' Aske will get more than they bargain for.