He inquired at the Hunter's Arms, but Vessons had been there before him, and he was met by pleasant stupidity.
Vessons was of the people, Reddin of the aristocracy, so the frequenters of the Hunter's Arms sided as one man against Reddin.
'You'll not get another bite of that apple,' said Vessons with satisfaction, when his master returned with downcast face.
'I can't stand your manners much longer, Vessons,' said he irritably.
'Gie me notice, then,' said Vessons, falling back on the well-worn formula, and scoring his usual triumph.
Reddin had the faults of his class, but turning an old servant adrift was not one of them. Vessons traded on this, and invariably said and did exactly what he liked.
Chapter 7
When Hazel got in, her father had finished his breakfast and was busy at work.
'Brought the wreath-frames?' he asked, without looking up.
'Ah.'