"Are there many rich people living about here?" inquired Helmsley.
"Not enough to do the place real good. The owners of the big houses are here to-day and gone to-morrow, and they don't trouble much over their tenantry. Still we rub on fairly well. None of us can ever put by for a rainy day,—and some folk as is as hard-working as ever they can be, are bound to come on the parish when they can't work no more—no doubt o' that. You're a stranger to these parts?"
"Yes, I've tramped from Bristol."
The woman opened her eyes widely.
"That's a long way! You must be fairly strong for your age. Where are ye wantin' to get to?"
"Cornwall."
"My word! You've got a goodish bit to go. All Devon lies before you."
"I know that. But I shall rest here and there, and perhaps get a lift or two if I meet any more such kind-hearted folk as yourself."
She looked at him sharply.
"That's what we may call a bit o' soft soap," she said, "and I'd advise ye to keep that kind o' thing to yourself, old man! It don't go down with Meg Ross, I can tell ye!"