’Don’t do that’ said he, roughly. ’I hate scenes, sisterly affection and motherly counsel, and all that sort of batter-pudding without egg and sugar. I reckon I am outgrown that long ago. I have been a soldier and know the world. If you think to pin me to your apron, as you have pinned father, you are mightily mistaken. No; I will tell you no more, only this—don’t be surprised if I leave Langford. Ninepence a day is not enough to hold me.’ ’Oh, Charles, I entreat you to stay. You have regular work there and regular pay. As for Mrs. Veale——’ ’Curse Mrs. Veale!’ interrupted Charles, and with a stamp of his iron-shod heel he broke the corners of the slate slab. Then he stood up. ’Look here, Honor. I mustn’t forget a message. Old Langford wants to see my father mighty particular, and he is to come up to the house to have a talk with him. He told me so himself, and indeed sent me here. Father is to come up this evening, as he is not at home now. You will remember to send him, Honor?’ ’Yes,’ she answered, bending her face over her work, ’yes, I shall not forget, Charles.’ Her brother had not the faintest suspicion that his master was a suitor for Honor’s hand. Mrs. Veale knew it, but she did not tell him. She had reasons for not doing so. ’Ninepence per diem!’ muttered the young man, standing in the doorway. ’That makes fourpence for ale, and fourpence for baccy, and a penny for clothing. T’aint reasonable. I won’t stand it. I reckon I’ll be off.’ Then, after a moment of irresolution, he came back into the middle of the room, and, taking Honor’s head between his hands, said in an altered tone, as he kissed her, ’After all, you are a good girl. Don’t be angry if I spoke sharp. I’m that ruffled I don’t know what I say, or what I do. You mayn’t be a proper Luxmore in spirit—that is, not like father and me—but you are hard-working, and so I forgive you in a Christian spirit. As Mrs. Veale says, even the Chosen People must have Gibeonites to hew wood and draw water for them. After I am gone, look under the china dog on the mantel-shelf.’ Then he went hastily away. Honor shuddered. His breath smelt of brandy. Half an hour later, Oliver Luxmore came in. Then Honor told him that Charles had been to the house with a message for him from Mr. Langford. Oliver rubbed his head and looked forlorn. He knew as well as his daughter what this meant. ’I suppose,’ said he, in a timid, questioning tone. ’I suppose, Honor, you have not thought better of what we was discussing together? No doubt Mr. Langford is impatient for his answer.’ ’No doubt,’ answered the girl.