"There's not much of that about," said William. "We seem to be losing all round. I'd like to know where the money goes. I think it is the 'ouse; it's gone unlucky, and I'm thinking of clearing out."
"We may live in a 'ouse a long while before we find what its luck really is," said Ketley. "I've been in my old 'ouse these twenty years, and it ain't nothing like what I thought it."
"You are that superstitious," said Journeyman. "If there was anything the matter with the 'ouse you'd've know'd it before now."
"Ain't you doing the trade you was?" said Stack.
"No, my butter and egg trade have fallen dreadful lately."
The conversation paused. It was Stack who broke the silence.
"Do you intend to do no more betting 'ere?" he asked.
"What, after being fined £100? You 'eard the way he went on about Sarah, and all on account of her being took here. I think he might have left Sarah out."
"It warn't for betting she took the plate," said Journeyman; "it was 'cause her chap said if she did he'd marry her."
"I wonder you ever left the course," said Stack.