Nancy Joe came from the dairy at that moment. “Gracious me I did you see that now?” she said. “I wonder at Kitty. But it's the way of the men, smiling and smiling and maning nothing.”
“Hm! They mane a dale,” growled Cæsar.
Ross had recovered from his uneasiness at Philip's entrance, and was engaged in some narration whereof the only words that reached the kitchen were I know and I know repeated frequently.
“You seem to know a dale, sir,” shouted Cæsar; “do you know what it is to be saved?”
There was silence for a moment, and then Ross, polishing his massive signet ring on his corduroy waistcoat, said, “Is that the old gentleman's complaint, I wonder?”
“My husband is a local preacher and always strong for salvation,” said Grannie by way of peace.
“Is that all?” said Ross. “I thought perhaps he had taken more wine than the sacrament.”
“You're my cross, woman,” muttered Cæsar, “but no cross no crown.”
“Lave women's matters alone, father; it'll become you better,” said Grannie.
“Laugh as you like, Mistress Cregeen; there's One above, there's One above.”