“What kind of work are ye used to?” asked Mr. Meredith.
The man hesitated for a moment and then muttered crossly, “Ar indentured vor to work, not to bai questioned.”
“Then work ye shall have,” cried the squire, hotly. “Peg, show him the stable, and tell Tom—”
“One moment, Lambert,” interjected his wife, and then she asked, “Hast thou had breakfast, Charles?”
Fownes shook his head sullenly.
“Take him to the kitchen and give him some at once, Peg,” ordered Mrs. Meredith.
For the first time the fellow looked away from Janice, fixing his eyes on Mrs. Meredith. Then he bowed easily and gracefully, saying, “Thank you.” Apparently unconscious that for a moment he had left the Somerset burr off his tongue and the rustic pretence from his manner, he followed Peg to the kitchen.
If he were unconscious of the slip, it was more than were his auditors, and for a moment they all exchanged glances in silent bewilderment.
“Humph!” finally growled the squire. “I like the look of him still less.”
“He holds himself like a gentleman,” asserted Tabitha.