"Hardly know him well enough to say." "You know him as well as he knows you--better, because Johnny will be talking more than thinking, same as me. But you're not like that seemingly. In fact, though he's took to you and sees you've got a brain, he says you're rather glum for a young man." "I expect I am to the eyes of my own generation." "Why? People ain't glum for nought." "Oh yes, they are--often for less than nought. It ain't life, it's nature makes many downcast. You see chaps, chin-deep in trouble, always ready to forget it and laugh with the loudest." "So you do then." "And others--prosperous men, with nothing to grizzle about--always care-foundered and fretty." "You'd say you was glum by nature then?" "I wouldn't say I was glum--you've only got John Bamsey's word for it. Miss Stockman wouldn't tell you I was glum." "She likes you very much. She told me so when she was over to my home last week. Soosie-Toosie's a woman quick to welcome a bit of luck, because she don't get much, and she likes you, and Mr. Palk also." "I'm glad she does." "And what d'you think of Johnny?" "A very good chap I'm sure. Rather excitable, perhaps." "He is, you might say a thought unreasonable sometimes." "Never where you are concerned I'm sure." "He's got the loveliest hair ever I saw on a man." "Fine curly hair, sure enough." "I believe temper always goes with that fashioned hair. I've noticed it." "I'm sure his temper is good most times." "He's sulky if he's crossed." "He's young. Perhaps he hasn't been crossed often." "Never--never once in his life--until now. But he's a thought vexed because I won't name the day." "Who shall blame him?" "Nobody. I'm sure I don't." "I expect you will name it pretty soon, miss?" "I expect so. How d'you like Cousin Joe?" "Mr. Stockman? Very much indeed. I feel a lot obliged to him--a kindly, understanding man. He looks at life in a very wise way, and he's got a thought to spare for other people." "I'm glad you like him. He's cruel lazy; but what does that matter? It takes all sorts to make a world." "Everybody tells me he's lazy. I shouldn't call him particular lazy for his time of life. He's done a deal of work in the past." "Glad you're so well suited. Where d'you come from, if I may ask?" "Somerset." They had reached Buckland, and Dinah hitched her pony to the hedge, opened a gate and directed Lawrence to wheel the trap into a byre close at hand. "I'll tell Mr. Budge what's happened and he'll let father's cart bide there for the minute. Then I'll take the pony and my parcels home." "You're all right?" "Never righter. And thank you, I'm sure--a proper good Samaritan. I won't forget it; and if ever I can do you a good turn, I will." "I'm sure you will. Very pleased to meet you, miss. And you see doctor for that cut. 'Tis a pretty deep gash and did ought to be tended."