“There’s on’y one thing as would make me say I wouldn’t speak to William Cressy and Mr Arthur.”
“And what’s that?” cried the girl.
“You a-giving of me your solemn promise as you won’t let Mr Arthur talk to you again.”
“I’ll promise,” cried the girl. “Yes,” said the old man; “it’s easy enough to promise; but will you keep it?”
“Yes, yes, that I will.”
“You see he’s a gentleman, and you’re only a farmer’s daughter, my dear; and he wouldn’t think no more of you, after once he’d gone away from here; and then you’d be frettin’ your pretty little heart out.”
“Then you won’t tell Brother William?”
“Well, I won’t.”
“Nor yet speak to Mr Arthur?”
“Not this time, my dear; but if I see any more of it, I shall go straight over to William Cressy, and then he’ll do what seems best in his own eyes.”