“Ah! What about it?”
“’Twas given to my niece for a purpose. Is that purpose goin’ to be fulfilled?”
“Tidden for me to say. Ask Ned.”
Steer closed his hand, slightly covered with reddish hairs.
“I’ve heard tales,” he said. “And if he don’ mean to keep his word I’ll have the law of him. I’ve always thought my niece a sight too good for him; but if he thinks he can put a slight on her he’s reckonin’ without the cost—that’s all.”
Bowden blew out a cloud of smoke.
“Ned’s a man grown.”
“Do you abet him?”
Bowden turned his head lazily.
“Don’t you come here bullyin’ me.” And again he puffed out a cloud of smoke. Its scent increased the resentment in Steer, who was no smoker.