The Squire, meanwhile, had observed her looks, and was
chafing inwardly against invalid relations who made unjust claims
upon their kith and kin and monstrously insisted on being nursed by
them. But he had the sense to hold his tongue, and even to profess a
decent sympathy.
Then, without any further preamble, he plunged into his own affairs.
'Everything's gone to rack and ruin since you left,' he said
vehemently. 'Of course you knew it would!'
Elizabeth's eyebrows lifted. The look, half tolerant, half amused,
with which she greeted sallies of this kind was one of her
attractions for the Squire.
'What's Captain Dell been doing?' she inquired.
'Marking time!' was the testy reply. 'He's been no good by
himself--I knew he wouldn't be--no more use than old Hull.'
Elizabeth's expression showed her sceptical.
'And the timber?'
'Just where you left it. The rascally fellows want all sorts of
conditions. You may accept them if you like--I won't. But I told
them we'd meet them in the woods to-morrow--you, and Dell and I.
Pages:
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345