“Am I?”

“Yes, I fancy so; however, it may be but fancy after all.”

“May be it is.”

“And may be it aint.”

“You’ve come from the market?” she said, quickly.

“I was there for a goodish while in the early part of the day, but I’ve just come now from the ‘Carved Lion.’”

“Ah! I see; that’s why you didn’t call at aunt’s.”

“I had a little business to do—​had to meet a customer at Brickett’s. Now, don’t be jealous; it wasn’t a leddy or a lass.”

“And bee’st thee going home, then?”

“Aye, surely, I hope to get home some time to-night. Why, what ails thee, Nell, dear?”