“Because Martha has been in such a way. There was your dinner kept three hours, till it was quite spoiled, and then we said it was no use to keep it any longer; and Martha is in a way.”
“What about?” said Waller absently, for his thoughts were still in the forest along with the young stranger.
“Because she says she won’t put up with it, and if you are to go in and out of the pantry helping yourself to what you please, she will complain to master as soon as he comes back.”
“Oh, very well, Bella,” giving the fresh-looking servant girl a nod.
“But aren’t you hungry?”
“No.”
“Well, you are a boy! You will want something to eat with your tea, won’t you?”
“Yes, I suppose so. But I say, Bella, have you heard anything about there being soldiers in the forest?”
“Oh, yes,” said the girl eagerly. “You haven’t seen any of them, have you?”
“I? No,” said Waller quickly. “What have you heard?”