"We must see one another once more, Bartley."
"Of course we must, Madge."
They moved forward as they spoke, and Rhoda saw Bartley kiss Margaret and observed that her sister-in-law was weeping. Then came hasty feet and Napoleon appeared. He shouted from a distance.
"She ban't there! She's gone! I waited a bit and had a dollop of figgy pudden and told 'em the bad news about faither."
"Hullo!" said Bartley to Rhoda. "You!" He looked blankly at her, but she ignored him and turned to Margaret. Hate was in her voice. She spoke quickly and waited for no reply, then moved on with her brother.
"Napoleon have been to seek you at your father's farm, Margaret Bowden, but you was better employed seemingly. My father is took very ill indeed, and your husband be gone up over to him. You'd best get home--if you can spare the time to think of your home. I shall be back by night, but David may not be able to come."
She swept on her way and left them staring at each other. Margaret was dishevelled and the shock of this meeting had dried her tears.
"Good Lord! that's bad luck. She saw me kiss you, I'll swear," murmured Bartley. "And now she'll believe there's another married woman in the case! Will she tell David?"
"What if she does? I'll tell him myself. D'you think he'd care?"
"Shall I go after her and explain?"