Maggie had gone up to her aunt at Bar Hill. The farm servants were
scattered in their villages.
Alice had just told Greatorex of Mary's engagement and the Vicar's
opposition.
"Eh, I was lookin' for it," he said. "But I maade sure it was your
oother sister."
"So did I, Jim. So it was. So it would have been, only--"
She stopped herself. She wasn't going to give Mary away to Jim.
He looked at her.
"Wall, it's nowt t' yo, is it?"
"No. It's nothing to me--now. How did you know I cared for him?"
"I knew because I looved yo. Because I was always thinkin' of yo.
Because I watched yo with him."
"Oh Jim--would other people know?"
"Naw. Nat they. They didn't look at yo the saame as I did."
He became thoughtful.
"Wall--this here sattles it," he said presently. "Yo caann't be laft
all aloan in t' Vicarage. Yo'll _'ave_ t' marry mae."
"No," she said. "It won't be like that. It won't, really. If my father
won't let my sister marry Dr. Rowcliffe, you don't suppose he'll let
me marry you? It makes it more impossible than ever. That's what I
came to tell you."
"It's naw use yo're tallin' mae. I won't hear it."
He bent to her.
"Ally--d'yo knaw we're aloan here?"
"Yes, Jim."
"We're saafe till Naddy cooms back for t' milkin'. We've three hours."
She shook her head. "Only an hour and a half, Jim. I must be back for
tea."
"Yo'll 'ave tae here. Yo've had it before. I'll maake it for yo.
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