Bunce grubbed up roots of grass with his hard, blunt fingers. Then he took up his pipe again and turned the stem about between his teeth. And the while he cast glances at Jack, side glances, half savage.
'What makes you think she'd come?' he inquired at length, with a blundering attempt at indifference of tone.
'I talked to her about it the other night.'
'Oh, you did, did you? And what business had you to talk about such things, I'd like to know?'
'I don't see no harm. I told her we'd all be glad if she'd come.'
'What the confusion! And who told you to say any such thing?'
Jack was amazed at the outburst of wrath he had provoked.
'Well, father,' he muttered, 'I've heard you say yourself that you'd be glad if she was coming.'
'Then I'll thank you not to repeat what I say. Leave Miss Nancarrow alone. If I find you've talked to her in that way again, you and me 'll quarrel, Jack.'
The boy fell into a fit of sulks, and drew to a little distance, where he lay fiat, beating the earth vigorously with a stick.