“The same as regards yourself,” returned the landlord; “but I s’pose you haven’t cut us entirely. There’s lots of people inquiring after you, and good people, too, who want to know when you are coming back. There’s plenty of work for you, mind that, when you do return.”
“All right; we’ll see about it in good time. How does his lordship get on with his newly-found relative?”
“So well, I hear, that he’s not disposed to part with her—not upon any consideration. She’s tumbled into a good thing, and no mistake; but, lord, she is a sweet creature—a loveable creature.”
Peace sighed.
“Yes,” he answered, sadly, “she is, so I’ve been told.”
“And let us hope she’ll be a comfort to the old man—indeed, I’m sure she will.”
“No doubt.”
“And she ought to be thankful to you—so I’ve heard.”
Peace made no reply.
“So I’ve heard,” replied the landlord. “It’s only what I’ve heard.”