It was plain that Ben thought poorly of persons who were so ignorant that they were unaware of the locality of the largest house in the vicinity. “Everyone knows where Squire’s house is!” he said scornfully.
“The Squire, eh? Is he Miss Nell’s father?”
“Squire? No! He’s her granfer. He’s an old gager. No one ain’t set eyes on him since I dunno when. They do say he’s as queer as Dick’s hatband, ever since he was took bad all on a sudden. He can’t walk no more. Folks say it’s Miss Nell as is Squire these days.”
“How far is it from here to the Squire’s place?”
“Kellands? A mile, I dessay.”
“Who is he? What is his name?”
Tired of this catechism, Ben sighed, and answered: “Sir Peter Stornaway, out of course!”
“Do you see her—do you see Miss Nell often?”
“Ay, most days,” replied Ben indifferently.
The Captain drew a breath, and stood for a few moments gazing down the road to where he had last seen the gig. Emerging suddenly from this trance, he ejaculated: “Good God, I must shave!” and strode into the tollhouse.