"Mind your own business," growled Eli. "It don't concern you; and as to what I think, I'll keep it to myself."
"It's two years since he left us, and the Squire's been thinking about it all night. He's got a notion Mr. Ulick will come back at this time of year."
"So he will, and I hope my lass will come too," said Eli.
"You still think they did not go away together?" asked Bob.
"I don't say that, but I'll swear Mr. Ulick never harmed a hair of her head," said Eli.
"He's a rum 'un," thought Bob. "Why, everybody knows they ran off together; that's what made the Squire so bitter."
"Have a glass of ale?" said Eli.
"Thanks, you keep a better tap than they have at Hazelwell."
"I drink it myself," said Eli, smiling, "and order it myself. I expect it's not the Squire's fault if you don't get the best."
"No, it's not. Old Josh knows how many beans make five, and I'll bet he charges top price for the stuff he gets in for us," said Bob.