“‘E told us positive to take down this one and them others yonder. You can see his mark, mum.”
“Nonsense. I’ll talk to Mr. Craddock about it. Take that rope off and come down from the ladder. I forbid you to touch another tree.”
The man on the ladder looked at her, but made no attempt to do as he was bid.
“The squire said most particular that we was to cut that tree down to-day.”
“Will you have the goodness to do as I tell you?” said Bertha, reddening with anger. “Tell that man to unfasten the rope and come down. I forbid you to touch the tree.”
The man Hodgkins repeated Bertha’s order in a surly voice, and they all looked at her suspiciously, wishing to disobey but not daring—in case the squire should be angry.
“Well, I’ll take no responsibility for it.”
“Please hold your tongue and do what I tell you as quickly as possible.”
She waited till the men had gathered up their various belongings and trooped off.