“I didn’t think about breakfast,” faltered Hannah.
“Didn’t ye now?” said Giles.
He looked reflectively at his portion, and then, apparently deciding that there was only enough for one, continued to dispose of it, albeit with an uneasy and apologetic air. The silence that ensued was so long that the onlookers began to exchange glances somewhat blankly. It would be dull if Giles merely ate his breakfast while Hannah sat by—that was an everyday occurrence. Presently, however, Hannah took the initiative.
“Mr Neale,” she said, “did you want to speak to me?”
Giles, with a large lump of bread in his cheek, turned upon her a glance that was half alarmed and half humorous.
“Well, I be come,” he said. “B’ain’t that enough? Deeds an’ not words is my motto.”
“Well, an’ I be come,” said Hannah, with some spirit. “I be come because I did think ye mid ha’ summat to say to I.”
Giles looked at her knowingly, and remarked with a meaning jerk of his head—
“I d’ ’low us do understand each other.”
Hannah, pleased but still uncertain, laughed feebly, and began to pleat the hem of her immaculate white apron.