‘What do you know about it, anyway?’ said Mr Prosser roughly.
Reaching The Dyke in the worst of tempers, he had not even time to give Ethel the kiss for which she stood waiting. He went straight into the dining-room and mixed himself a stiff whisky and water, then, feeling masterful and businesslike, he went straight out into the fields to look for Harris. He found him driving in his team from the plough.
‘Did you see Daisy last night?’ he asked.
‘Yes, I see’d her, but not afore she was wellnigh cold.’
‘How did she come to go off sudden like that, eh?’
‘If you want to know what I thinks, Mr Prosser, I’ll tell you. That cow she died of violent neglect. I’ve had my eye on her some days now.’
‘Then why the devil didn’t you say so?’
‘Me and Fellows don’t speak to one another, and you was gone off to the sales.’
‘Why didn’t you tell Miss Marion, then?’
‘It’s no good talking to Miss Marion about he. Her wouldn’t hear a word against Fellows, though he be no more fit to look after cows than rabbits, and I know for why.’ Harris shook his head knowingly.