"There's some folks from the Hall," said he to his sister-in-law, who was busy peeling some potatoes.
Jane dropped the knife and turned sharply round. "Go out to them," she said, "we don't want them in here."
"It's only a young gentleman a-climbing the gate," he replied.
Jane picked up the knife and after a moment went on with her work; but Bertie had seen a cat with its kitten on the door-step; and had run into the cottage before Frances could prevent him.
"Go away! don't come in here!" screamed Jane.
"Put down the knife and hould yer oncivil tongue, yer dafty!" exclaimed Marks. "What the devil d'yer mean by it! Walk in, young gentleman, y'ere welcome to play with the cat as long as yer like. Take a seat, Miss," and he brought forward one of the chairs and dusted it.
But Frances took no heed of the invitation. "I am very angry with you, Bertie," she said, "What will Hannah say? Come away?"
But Bertie would not, but went up to Jane with the kitten in his arms.
"Very well," replied Frances, "I shall call Hannah," but in reality she went outside and waited for him, while Matthew, hat in hand, followed and talked to the young lady.
"I wish pussy was my very own," said Bertie presently, after playing with it for a few moments.