"'He lives—alas! how long he lives!' So has many an unhappy wife breathed to her soul; and so should I."
"You might, indeed, if, like certain foolish but authentic virgins, you married out of your status. Now John Lee——"
"Have done, or I'll never speak to you more!" cried Grace passionately. "I had rather a thousand times marry John Lee than you; and if I please, I will."
"Frankly, my poppet, you are something too much of a child to marry anybody yet. 'Winter and wedlock tame maids and beasts.' A true West Country proverb that. But I'd be your lover still, not your master. Vile word! In sober honesty, however, you can be very provoking, mistress."
"Never less than now. Walk quicker and save your breath; more snow is coming."
The transient gleam of sun that had drawn them out on to the Moor departed, and snow began to fall again.
"I've wanted that to happen," said Mr. Norcot. "Now you shall hear a charming thing—not my own, I regret to say, but from Petronius Afranius—translated by one Smart. For its perfection you must make a snowball and hurl it at me."
"I'm in no mood for fooling."
"I beg; I implore. 'Twill be worth your pains."
She bent and picked up some snow.