Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/132

Rh The Askes are a fell lot. Squire Anthony is little, but ivery bit o' that little is Aske."

"I hev a good cause to quarrel wi' him."

"Thou art angry now, and thou is telling lies to thysen. Leisure a bit, and see what Aske will say about his wife. I'll warrant he hed a good cause to quarrel wi' her."

"I won't; not I."

"Thou won't do right, and thou won't take wrong, Varry well. Thou is ravelling a bonny hank for thysen to loosen. Of course, thou is big enough to give Aske a threshing, if ta likes to do it, but in ivery other way Aske is for more than a match for thee."

"That is to try yet."

"Dear me! They say when owt goes wrong i' families the devil blesses himsen; he would be busy enough last night. Is ta going ta keep him busy? Take my advice now, if ta niver takes it again, and send Mistress Aske to her own home. Thou hes no business at all to harbor her."

"Hevn't I ? We'll try that. I won't send her home, niver!"

"Then send for Aske and hev it out wi' him. I'll be bound he's varry little to blame."