Lady Selina spoke gently to the old man.
“Tell me what you know, Nicodemus.”
Thus encouraged, the Ancient expanded visibly, raising his voice so that all and sundry might hear him.
“ ’Tis ondeniably true that your ladyship has enemies in this yere parish.”
Probably he expected protest. Lady Selina said quietly:
“So I discovered yesterday.”
“I bain’t one to carry tales, my lady.”
It says much for Lady Selina Chandos that this affirmation provoked her humour. In the familiar tone that so endeared her to her dependents, she bantered the old gaffer:
“That won’t do, Nicodemus. We have gossiped together a score of times. Any service you can render me will not be forgotten, I can assure you.”
“Ah-h-h! I did hear wicked talk about burning down this village.”