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Rh defence all thought out, and I hed got things in my mind up to t' tune of ten thousand pounds damages. But if thou art satisfied, why then I ought to be, I'm sure. Now then, what will ta do with both mills? They'll be a bit of a charge to thee."

"I'll tell thee. Eleanor hes offered me t' loan of her marriage portion, and that will make Burley mill run smooth until it runs itself clear."

"Why-a! That was good in t' lass! But what will Aske say to it?"

"He put Eleanor up to it, I hev no doubt, for Eleanor never hed a plan about money, if it wasn't for the spending of it. But she was glad of the thought, and they were both as nice as niver was about it."

"He can't be a bad chap—Aske."

"He's a varry good one. He's a good hater, and a good lover, and men of that kind suit me. You know where you hev them. Squire Bashpoole always lifted his hat, and spoke politely in t' worst of ill-will, but I knew he hated me, and I thought a deal the worse of him for his civility. He'd hev been more of a man if he hed kept his beaver on, and passed me without a word."