“Not if he’s strong and will go.”
“Good,” said Old Tom; and while he spoke a donkey-cart stopped in front of the Dolphin, and a well-dressed man touched his hat.
“Get out of that damned bad habit, will you?” growled Old Tom. What do you mean by wearing out the brim o’ your hat in that way? Help this woman in.”
Mrs. Mel helped herself to a part of the seat.
“We are too much for the donkey,” she said.
“Ha, that’s right. What I have, ma’am, is good. I can’t pretend to horses, but my donkey’s the best. Are you going to cry about him?”
“No. When he’s tired I shall either walk or harness you,” said Mrs. Mel.
This was spoken half-way down the High Street of Fallowfield. Old Tom looked full in her face, and bawled out:
“Deuce take it. Are you a woman?”
“I have borne three girls and one boy,” said Mrs. Mel.