Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/54

Rh "Not likely. There is an offer from Longworthy, and he wants yes or no in t' morning. Thou knows thy mind on that subject, and we'd better send a night message."

"Ay, we had. Get into t' gig, and we'll talk it over."

When the house was reached, Burley said, "That's all about Longworthy; but come in and hev a bit o' cold meat. I want to talk to thee." Then turning to the groom: "Mind thou rubs t' little beast down well, and give him a good supper and bed. I'll mebbe be in to see after thee."

There was a rack in the chimney-corner full of long, clean clay pipes, and after the "bit o' cold meat" the two men sat down to smoke. Hitherto their talk had been of wool and yams and wages, but after a short silence Jonathan said, "I hev been to Aske Hall."

"Well?"

"Nay, it isn't well. It is varry ill, as far as I can see. I don't know whativer is come over my lass. She was always bidable wi' me. I can't help blaming Aske, though he was as patient and kind as niver was to-night."