‘I have not a doubt but he Whosoe’er the man might be, Who, the first, with painted rays, (Workman worthy to be sainted,) Set the signboard in a blaze, When the risen sun he painted, Took the fancy from a glance At thy glittering countenance.’” Then a rattle of wheels and a tramp of horse’s hoofs. A dogcart was approaching rapidly. As it came near, the driver reined in and drew up alongside. Kate recognised John Pooke, with Rose Ash at his side; behind, clinging uncomfortably to the back rail, was Susan Pooke. The young man flourished his whip and saluted Kate joyously. “We shall meet at the fair. I shall await you, Kitty.” Then he lashed the horse, and whirled away. Kate saw Rose’s face turned towards her, wearing a dissatisfied frown. “Who are those?” asked Walter, with a little twinge of displeasure in his heart. “The young man is Jan Pooke, he whose rick was burned; and with him is Rose Ash, the prettiest girl in all Coombe. Jan’s father has the orchard in which are the daffodils. It belonged to uncle. Uncle had a bit of farm, but he gave it up--sold it--to devote himself more to business. Behind, in the dogcart, is Susan Pooke. She is going to be married at Easter to someone in Ashburton.” Then, wiping his lips and buttoning his pockets, Pasco came from the tavern. He mounted to his place and resumed the reins and whip. “Well,” said he, “got some talk out of the girl?--foolery--rank foolery, I’ll swear. Never heard her say anything sensible; but you and I will have a good conversation as we drive along. We will talk about bullocks.” CHAPTER XV A REASON FOR EVERYTHING Walter Bramber sprang from his seat beside Pasco, on the latter drawing up outside the inn at Ashburton, and ran to the back of the tax-cart that he might assist Kate to descend. There was no step at the back. He held up his arms to receive her; she was standing preparing to spring. As he looked up, he exclaimed, “They are planets!” “What are planets?” “Those blue orbs--their light is so still and true.” Then he caught her as she sprang, glad to cover her confusion. A compliment was something to which Kate was wholly unaccustomed, and one startled and shamed her. “Now, whither?” he asked. “To my father.” “But where is he?” “I do not know.” “Come, come!” said Pepperill, who had consigned the reins to the ostler. “I want you, schoolmaster; I cannot let you go fairing yet. I have business on my hands and desire your presence. Afterwards, if you will, and when we have got rid of Kate, I’ll find you some one more agreeable with whom you can go and see the shows.” “But, in the meanwhile, who is to take care of her?” asked Bramber.