‘Faith, now you tell of it, there’s a hint of sea legs about him. What’s the young beau’s name?’
‘Don’t tell!’ whispered Matilda, impulsively clutching Festus’s arm.
But Festus had already said, ‘Robert Loveday, son of the miller at Overcombe. You may find several likely fellows in that neighbourhood.’
The marine said that he would bear it in mind, and they left him.
‘I wish you had not told,’ said Matilda tearfully. ‘She’s the worst!’
‘Dash my eyes now; listen to that! Why, you chicken-hearted old stager, you was as well agreed as I. Come now; hasn’t he used you badly?’
Matilda’s acrimony returned. ‘I was down on my luck, or he wouldn’t have had the chance!’ she said.
‘Well, then, let things be.’
XXXI. MIDNIGHT VISITORS
Miss Garland and Loveday walked leisurely to the inn and called for horse-and-gig. While the hostler was bringing it round, the landlord, who knew Bob and his family well, spoke to him quietly in the passage.