'Come off with me now. I swear I'll play fair.'
'I swore!' she cried. 'I swore by the Mountains, and that can ne'er be broke.'
'What did you swear?'
'To marry the first as come. That's Ed'ard. If I broke that oath, when I was jead, my cold soul 'ud wander and find ne'er a bit of rest, crying about the Mountains and about, nights, and Ed'ard thinking it was the wind.
'If you chuck him, he'll soon get over it; if you chuck me, I shan't.
He's never gone after the drink and women.'
It was a curious plea for a lover.
'Miss Clomber said you wunna a good man.'
'Well, I'm blowed! But look here. If he loses you, he'll be off his feed for a bit; but if I lose you, there'll be the devil to pay. Has he kissed you?'
'Time and agen.'
'I won't have it!'