“Ay, and you’re hankerin’ arter our hundred years’ connexion!”
“Eh?” said Will, dazed. He stole a reassuring glance at his magnificent turn-out.
“Oi could see what ye were droivin’ at with your friendly proposition. Want us to take you into pardnership.”
Will slapped his knee. “Well, I’m danged.”
Daniel chuckled fatuously. “Ho, ho! Guessed it, did Oi? Ye can’t keep much from Daniel Quarles.” And in high good humour he laid his hand on the young man’s shoulder and moved him back into the house.
They found Jinny, who had just deposited the beer-jug on the table, flitting up the stairs.
“Where ye gooin’, Jinny?” the Gaffer called after her.
“You’ve got things to talk over,” she called back.
“It ain’t secrets,” he crowed.
“Don’t run away,” Will added. “You’re the person most concerned.”