Page:Fletcher--Where Highways Cross.djvu/49

 bench seemed to enjoy the reading, and kept their eyes fixed on their master's face. As soon as the chapter was finished Hepworth closed the book and stood up. The three men said, "Good-night, maister," and stamped away down the passage.

"Now, Mally," said Hepworth, coming over to the fireside. "You'll see after Elisabeth, I'm sure. You'll know what she'll—"

"Go your ways, maister," said Mally. "Leave women-folk to see to theirsens. Men's nobbut in the way at t' best o' times."

Hepworth laughed, and bidding the two women good-night, went back to his parlour.

"Now, lass," said Mally, "we'll hev' a bit o' supper, and then to bed. 'Early to sleep and early to rise,' you know, and I'm a rare un for getting up wi' the lark."

"I should like to set the table for Mr. Hepworth's breakfast in the morning," said Elisabeth. "What time will he have it?"

"He's up at six, lass, and he's out till seven, and about half-past he's ready and