Betty raised a rolling-pin from the table, and pursued her tormentor as far as the kitchen door.
"And, Betty, as you love me," he said, by way of a last Parthian shot, "make a couple of rounds of buttered toast. You will, won't you?"
"I'll lay this about your lugs," retorted Betty, brandishing her weapon, "if ye're not off in a brace o' shakes."
Gabriel Hirst was standing by the window when Griff returned.
"Well, what have you been doing?" he demanded.
"Oh, nothing. I felt a bit hungry after the walk from Marshcotes, and I asked Mrs. Binns to boil four eggs."
"I thought you'd had breakfast, or I should have offered it long ago."
"I have had one, but I intend to tackle another. Two eggs for me, two for you; a round of toast each. Your Betty Binns isn't half the sport she was, Gabriel; she gives in like a lamb."
"He's a gooid for naught, is Griff Lummax," muttered Betty, as she cut the bread and held it before the fire; "but there's summat I like about him; ay, I willun't deny 'at he hes a way wi' him."
Gabriel made a last stand when the eggs were set down before him with a clatter.