'Not a bit of it, dear I remember doing the first Jandiala Settlement for the sake of a girl in a crinoline; and she was slender, Lizzie. I've never done as good a piece of work since. He'll work like a demon.'
'But you might have given him one day.'
'And let things come to a head now? No, dear; it's their happiest time.'
'I don't believe either of the dears know what's the matter with them. Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it lovely?'
'Getting up at three to learn to milk, bless her heart! Ye gods, why must we grow old and fat?'
'She's a darling. She has done more work under me—'
'Under you! The day after she came she was in charge and you were her subordinate, and you've stayed there ever since. She manages you almost as well as you manage me.'
'She doesn't, and that's why I love her. She's as direct as a man-as her brother.'
'Her brother's weaker than she is. He's always coming to me for orders; but he's honest, and a glutton for work. I confess I'm rather fond of William, and if I had a daughter—'
The talk ended there. Far away in the Derajat was a child's grave more than twenty years old, and neither Jim nor his wife spoke of it any more.