Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/143

138 Fortunately, at this juncture Ben Holden entered. In fact, Ben had been hanging round, fearful of the very thing which had happened, and quite determined at all risks to save his friend from disgracing himself by a physical attack on a man little more than half his size and weight He put his hand on Jonathan's shoulder, and said, "Master Burley, mind what thou art doing. Squire, will ta be kind enough to take thysen away as soon as possible? It will be t' best for both of you."

"One word more, Burley; send my wife home."

"She was my daughter long before she was thy wife; she shall stay with me if she wants to."

At these words Aske left the room. He was white as ashes, but no one could doubt the enmity and rage which he veiled beneath his calm exterior. "He is in for a hard fight, Jonathan," said Ben; "and I'm feared we are none able for him."

"Fight, indeed! There's none in him."

"Thou wilt find out thou art much mistaken. They will need to hev long arms that fight Aske, and a long patience, and a long purse.