"Morning, rye," said he, striding into the dell like Hercules. "What's all this about the old woman?"
Ardleigh looked up in surprise. He was astonished to hear the tone in which Tim spoke, and resented the scowl with which the gipsy greeted him.
"What do you mean, Tim?" he asked coldly.
"She told me," said the Tinker, jerking his thumb over his shoulder, "that the old lady at the Court wants t' marry ye."
"That is news to me! And how did she, by whom you no doubt mean Mother Jericho, learn this?"
"It's all over the place. Miss Linisfarne wants to become your wife."
Dan did not know whether to laugh or to frown. Although he was aware that there was some truth in the rumour, he was by no means inclined to admit as much to Tim; the more so as the attitude of the gipsy was distinctly hostile, and he eyed Dan in a gloomy and threatening manner.
"Is it true, rye?" he demanded savagely.
"What business is it of yours, even if it is true?" said Dan, wrathfully, springing to his feet.
"It's every business," retorted the tinker, scowling; "it is--it is---- By Heaven!" he cried, his passion breaking loose, "I'll twist her neck!"