The woman’s hand went to her flat breast.
“John, did she no’ take it from the post office, as ye said?”
“No,” was the sullen answer.
“Oh, John, John! . . . But ye’ve enough to bear now without me reproaching ye.” After a pause she continued: “She’ll ha’ to send Sam her address afore he can do anything wi’ the letter.”
“Aye; but they’re no’ such fools as to communicate wi’ each other through this office.”
She sighed helplessly.
“There’s somebody in the office,” he said suddenly. “I’ll—”
“Let me,” she interposed; “ye’re no’ fit. Take your tea till I come back.”
She was absent several minutes, and on her return she was cheered by seeing him at the table and the cup empty.
“Who was it, and what were ye doing in the shop?” he asked, more from habit than interest.