She had been away nine days and returned to find Jane fallen out with Jerry Withycombe. Mr. Bamsey had recognised her on her return and called her by name and made her sit beside him for a long time. But the next morning he had forgotten her again. Faith Bamsey had also thought Dinah must have disappeared to be married, but believed her when she vowed it was not so. John Bamsey was away for the time, doing bailiff's work up the river above Dartmeet. Then he told her of his determination and greatly rejoiced her, save in one particular. "We don't go together," he said, "and the details will very soon clear themselves; but there must be no shadow on your memory, here or anywhere, when you're gone. I give Joe notice presently and go to Australia, to get the home ready. You find work and, for a bit, keep that work. Then you leave it for London, or a big town, where ships sail from, and your passage is took and you come along. That leaves them guessing here, and none can ever say a word against you. But so sure as we go together, then Stockman tells everybody that I'm a married man, and the harm's done." "You do puzzle me!" she answered. "You can't get this bee out of your bonnet, Lawrence--such a clever chap as you, too. What in fortune's name does it matter what Cousin Joe says about you, or what the people believe about me? I know you're not married, and when I wed you I shall be your one and lawful wife. Who else is there--now foster-father be gone? That was the only creature on earth I could hurt, and he's past hurting, poor old dear. I like your plan all through but there. I'm going when you go, and half the joy of my life would be lost if I didn't sail along with you in the ship. That I do bargain for. Oh, I wish it was to-morrow we were running away!" "I hate to run." "I love it--yes, I do, now. I wish to God I wasn't going to lose sight of you again. But it won't be for long." They spoke of the details and he pointed out that her plan must increase the difficulties somewhat, yet she would take no denial. "What's all this fuss for? False pride," she said. "You've got to think for me the way I want you to think, not the way you want to think. If we know we're right, why should we fret if all the rest of the world thought different? I'm hungry and thirsty to go and be in a new world with you. I want you and I want a new world. And you will be my new world for that matter." "I know that." "Together then. 'Twould spoil all any other way. 'Twould be small any other way. 'Twould be cringing to the Vale." He laughed. "I can't keep you here in the rain all night. The next thing is our post office--from now on." "Promise about my going with you." "That means thinking over all the plans again." "Think them over again then; and I'll help. And I've found the post office. List!" They kept silence for half a minute, but Dinah had only heard a night-bird.