Page:Eliot - Adam Bede, vol. III, 1859.djvu/230

220 Totty, in a way that she felt to be disagreeably personal.

"You're rare and busy now—eh, Adam?" said Mr Poyser. "Burge's getting so bad wi' his asthmy, it's well if he'll ever do much riding about again."

"Yes, we've got a pretty bit o' building on hand now," said Adam: "what with the repairs on th' estate, and the new houses at Treddles'on."

"I'll bet a penny that new house Burge is building on his own bit o' land is for him and Mary to go to," said Mr Poyser. "He'll be for laying by business soon, I'll warrant, and be wanting you to take to it all, and pay him so much by th' 'ear. We shall see you living on th' hill before another twelvemont's over."

"Well," said Adam, "I should like t' have the business in my own hands. "It isn't as I mind much about getting any more money: we've enough and to spare now, with only our two selves and mother; but I should like t' have my own way about things: I could try plans then, as I can't do now."

"You get on pretty well wi' the new steward, I reckon?" said Mr Poyser.

"Yes, yes; he's a sensible man enough: