"But he does, right enough, missy. He have a tight hold of me—he and the drink together."
Harebell looked startled, then she smiled reassuring. "I know Somebody Who'll make you all right, and so do you."
Tom shook his head; he was ashamed of himself for giving his confidence to this small maiden; but he was attracted by her earnest trustful eyes, and did not seem able to help himself.
"I'D GET SOME GLUE, I THINK, AND STICK MY LIFE TOGETHER," SAID HAREBELL.
"Why, of course, God will. He always helps us to be good. I know what I'd do if I were you."
"What?"
"I'd get some glue, I think, and stick my lips together, and put some cotton-wool up my nose, and then I would walk past the public-house six times running, and say a kind of spell. I'll make up one for you and bring it to you to-morrow. Will you promise to meet me outside the cottage you meant to live in? I will go with Chris. I know the old oak—"
"I'll be there—what time?"
"It mustn't be after four. Half-past three, because I ride then—"