“Jane,” said Mr. Richard, one evening, when the day’s work was over, “I want to ha’ a word or two wi’ee, lass. So when ye’ve finished cleaning up, just step into the parlour for a while, will’ee?”
“If you desire me to do so,” returned the girl, with a faint flash.
“Yes, I do, if thee beest willing.”
She nodded, and said—
“I will be with you presently.”
“Aye, do, gell, the sooner the better,” cried the farmer, as he left the kitchen, and proceeded into the best room of the establishment.
In a few minutes Jane, having washed and touched herself up, entered.
Her master handed her a seat.
He was in a great fluster, and it was easy to see that he was but ill at ease.
Jane sat down.