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190 you moight have it out with him by yourself. Eh, lass, eh?"

And Tregenna could tell, by the sound of moving feet, that Tom was searching round the room.

Ann, who was standing on the trap-door, laughed easily.

"Jealous, eh, Tom? 'Tis late in the day, with me! First 'tis Ben the Blast, and now a king's man! Hast no better opinion of thyself, Tom, than to think thou wouldst be ousted so easy?"

"Oons, lass, I've a better opinion of myself than I have of thee, for such a thing as constancy! And for being ousted, as thou calls it, plague on me if I know I was ever in!"

"Come, now, Tom, han't I always been kind to thee?"

"Ay, when you wanted to get summat from me. Other toimes, I've to take thy kindness turn and turn about with Ben!"

"Fie on you, Tom, fie on you! Get you gone, and learn better manners than to speak to a woman so!"

She gave him a push in the direction of the door; but Tom was firm. Lame as he was, he