“But ye ain’t been lonesome this time,” he added. “’Aven’t you and Mrs. Hewson had a nice chat?”
“Yes,” she said doubtfully.
He laughed his jolly laugh.
“Ye don’t care over much for the woman, I can see,” chuckled he. “Well, she be a bit rumbustious though a well-meanin’ wench enough. I used to half-fancy ’er myself once, but she bain’t my style, I likes ’em cosier nor that.”
And he drew his wife’s smooth, fair head to his bosom and kissed her.
“See ’ere,” said he, “I’ve bought ye a present.”
He untied the brown-paper parcel and spread out a black silk dress.
Milly’s eyes shone and she clapped her hands.
“For me! What, niver!” she murmured.
“Oh, ain’t it!” he chuckled. “You should ha’ ’ad it long ago only I ’adn’t just got the cash ’andy. There!” and he threw it across to her merrily.