Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/133

128 "I won't do it."

"Then write for him."

"Not I—not a line."

"Then tak' thy own way. What did ta ask me about it for? Did ta think because I took thy wages I would tell thee to do what is both wrong and foolish? Thou might hev known Ben Holden better."

"Don't thee quarrel wi' me now, Ben. I hev trouble enough without that one."

"Say no more, Jonathan. Thou art sure to do right in t' long run. Did ta notice Steve Benson was away again yesterday?"

"Ay, I did. I don't know whativer's to be done to save t' lad. If thou art spoiling to be giving good advice, Steve is needing it badly, Ben, and happen he'll take it better than me."

The quarrel between Anthony and his wife had risen about such a trifle as the wearing of a sapphire necklace; but, as it usually happens, the apparent trifle represented things hr more important. On that night they were going to Squire Bashpoole's to dinner. The squire was Anthony's uncle on his mother's side, and before his marriage Aske had been a very frequent visitor at Bashpoole Manor House, and