"The Mr. Benham who was shot in the lane?"
"Sure. There be gentry and gentry. Some of 'em doan't care; some of 'em gives for what they gets. Master Jasper's a soft heart, but he be'unt no fool, neither. A tough gentleman when a man be a rogue and a beggar."
Nance had a moment's perplexity. Then she said:
"I have heard bad things about Mr. Benham, David."
She spoke softly, but David was watching her mouth. He picked up the words and answered them.
"Have ye now! Well, I've heard different. Be man, woman, or child sick down Rush Heath way, the young squire he be for knowing about it. Better than the parson, he be. Not pious-like; can do his cussing. Clean about t' wenches, too. Though I shouldn't be saying such a thing afore you, Miss Nance."
Nance reddened, not wholly because of David's words.
"You appear to know a great deal about Mr. Benham, David."
"Sure—we knows this and that in t' country. I likes a fine, upstanding gentleman. I wishes him good luck in the shoes of his father."
"Is it true that Mr. Benham is to marry his cousin, David?"