"'Tis you a-callin' your brother such names and tellin' the whole place of his failin'. Take the little maid away. She be like the rest, just abusin' of him, like as you've teached her!"
Harebell retreated to the door, frightened at the old woman shaking her fist in her face.
"Tell her I'm sorry, Miss Triggs."
Miss Triggs led her out of the cottage.
"Yes—yes, dear, 'tis only mother's way. She loves my brother like a mother, you know, and can't bear any one to miscall him."
Harebell mounted her pony and rode thoughtfully away. But a little farther on, she happened to meet Tom Triggs. He was slouching along with his hands in his pocket. For a moment he looked up and eyed her.
Harebell's spirits rose at once.
"Are you Miss Triggs' brother? I hoped I would see you. I've been to see your cottage."
"Seen the old woman? Yes, I be Tom Triggs right enough. A thorough bad un, so they say."
He gave a surly laugh.