"Oh, very well. In fact, Kezia said she had not seen her in such good health for years."
"Miss Yard is breaking up, I think," said George, thinking of his programme, which was suffering sadly from interference.
"Indeed she's not. She is just mazed after the journey, as they say about here. Then you are really not going to live here again?"
"Not for the present. But I shall write to you, Nellie, at least once a week, and I shall think of you nearly every day."
"Thank you. Are you going to turn blacksmith?"
"Why do you ask a ridiculous question?"
"We have been playing at rhymes lately; and the only rhyme I can find for your name is forge."
"Nellie," said George heavily, "it is frivolous conduct like this which breaks a man up completely."
"I'll be serious then. When are you coming back?"
"Not until the place becomes my own. My aunt has injured me; she has upset all my plans. I do not intend to speak to her again until she has asked for my forgiveness."