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 into in Blackmoor Vale came originally from these parts, and that ’twere a old ancient race that had all but perished off the earth—though the new generations didn’t know it. But, Lord, I took no notice of the old woman’s ramblings, not I.’

‘Oh no—it is nothing,’ said Tess.

Then the talk was of business only.

‘You can milk ’em clean, my maidy? I don’t want my cows going azew at this time o’ year!’

She reassured him on that point, and he surveyed her up and down. She had been staying indoors since the autumn, and her complexion had grown delicate.

‘Quite sure you can stand it? ’Tis comfortable enough here for rough folk; but we don’t live in a cowcumber frame.’

She declared that she could stand it, and her zest and willingness seemed to win him over.

‘Well, I suppose you’ll want a dish o’ tay, or victuals of some sort, hey? Not yet? Well, do as ye like about it. But faith, if ’twas I, I should be as dry as a kex wi’ travelling so far.’

‘I’ll begin milking now, to get my hand in,’ said Tess.