"I hope to God you'll know her better some day, father."
"And I hope you will, my lad; and I'll use your strong words too, and hope to God you'll know her better afore 'tis too late."
"This is cruel, and I'm bitter sorry to hear you say it," answered the young man, rising. Then he went out and left his father alone.
Elsewhere Phyllis Lintern had eagerly inquired of Cora as to the interview with the bellringer.
The girls shared many secrets and were close friends. They knew unconsciously that their brother was more to the mother than were they. Heathman adored Mrs. Lintern and never wearied of showing it; but for his sisters he cared little, and they felt no interest in him.
Now Phyllis sympathised with Cora's ambitions and romances.
"How was it?" she asked. "I warrant you brought him to the scratch!"
"'Tis all right," declared her sister. "'Tis so good as done. The word was on his tongue coming up-along in the dimpsy; but it stuck in his throat. I know the signs well enough. However, 'twill slip out pretty soon, I reckon. He's a good sort, though fidgety, but he's gotten lovely eyes. I'll wake him up and smarten him up, too—presently."