Page:Fletcher--Where Highways Cross.djvu/35

 From this he extracted a half-sovereign, and held it towards Elisabeth. She looked at it in astonishment.

"What's that for, sir?"

Hepworth smiled.

"I forgot," said he. "Of course, if you're a stranger hereabouts you don't know the custom. That's a fastening penny to conclude the bargain. Now, you'll perhaps be wanting some little thing before I drive home, and if I were you, as it's a cold day, I'd go and have something to eat—there's a good eating-house close by—and oh, you'll be having a box to take, perhaps?"

"No, sir—my box is at Clothford—I must send for it."

"Very good, Elisabeth. Then go, get your tea, and meet me at the Elephant Hotel at six o'clock—ask the ostler for Mr. Hepworth's conveyance."

Hepworth now turned away and went down the steps of the Cross into the Market-Place, where he was presently lost to sight amongst