"There is little fear of her refusal," observed Mistress Nutter.
"Ey dunna knoa that," rejoined Jennet. "If she were to refuse, it wadna surprise me."
"Nothing spiteful she could do would surprise me," remarked Harrop. "But how are you likely to know what your mother will think and do, you forward little hussy?"
"Ey judge fro circumstances," replied the little girl. "Mother has often said she conna weel spare Alizon. An mayhap Mistress Nutter may knoa, that she con be very obstinate when she tays a whim into her head."
"I do know it," replied Mistress Nutter; "and, from my experience of her temper in former days, I should be loath to have you near me, who seem to inherit her obstinacy."
"Wi' sich misgivings ey wonder ye wish to tak Alizon, madam," said Jennet; "fo she's os much o' her mother about her os me, onny she dunna choose to show it."
"Peace, thou mischievous urchin," cried Mistress Nutter, losing all patience.
"Shall I take her away?" said Harrop—seizing her hand.
"Ay, do," said Mistress Nutter.
"No, no, let her stay!" cried Alizon, quickly; "I shall be miserable if she goes."