Page:Joan, the curate.djvu/250

244 a smack o' the face before she's done, like to the one she gave me but this morning."

Tregenna made but one step in his direction when Bertram prudently retired; and they heard his cracked laugh as he went rapidly back to the house.

It was some moments before Tregenna and Ann could resume their interrupted conversation. Indeed, Tregenna was anxious to break it off altogether, but Ann persisted, following him as he turned to move away, and detaining him with a gesture which was half peremptory, half imploring.

"Nay, nay, sir, you'll give me a hearing, at least," said she, earnestly, "if 'twere but for the safety of your friends. And I could tell you of a plot that's been formed whereby your crew would be the sufferers, to an extent would rend your heart. Ay, 'tis true!" she added, as he turned incredulously towards her.

"There's little need of a special plot," said he, "since we all know the whole neighborhood's in league against us!"

"And for that reason you should be all the more willing to lend your ear, when you have at last found a friend ready to afford you assist-