"Afternoon, Mr. Triggs," the young woman said brightly.
"Arternoon!" was the gruff response. "Seems as if a bit o' carpentering were wanted there."
"I wish you'd come and do it for us. My aunt would be so glad to have it mended."
Tom said nothing.
She waited for a moment, smiled at Harebell, then walked away towards the village. Harebell bent over from her pony and touched Tom's shoulder.
"You've got your work, Tom; you must mend that gate, and give up beer, and next week marry that woman, and then come and live in this cottage! Oh, it's turning out lovely!"
She clapped her hands gaily. Chris started at once for home, but Harebell pulled him in.
"Tom, promise me you will!" she cried. "Promise!"
Tom shook his head. He bent his eyes upon her paper.
"Beer and I can't do without each other!" he muttered.