"Not I. But I'll keep self-respect in my people. The women shall have sixpence a day out of doors. The labourer is worthy of her hire." "You'll never learn sense. You comed in the world to waste money, not to make it, as I've always told 'e. Sixpence a day for females! What next?" "'Cast thy bread on the waters.' I'm a working Christian, and a lesson to you, heathen that you are." "A working Christian ban't no better for being a fool. What's the sense of casting your bread 'pon the water while your wife an' maiden be hungry upon the shore?" "Hungry! You're mad!" "'Twill come to hunger. You'd spoil any market--a very good, open-hearted gentleman, us all knows; but sixpence a day for outdoor females! 'Tis all summed up in that. There ban't a outdoor woman in the world worth more'n fourpence." "Ask their husbands. You're an old bachelor." "'Ess--thank God!" "Some sloes there are that even winter will never sweeten; and you are such a one. How fares the rheumatism?" "A sleeping dog for the minute. He was gnawing his bone proper last week though. Maybe Dartymoor will lessen my pangs." "I hope so with all my heart. 'Tis the least it can do for you, seeing how much you are going to do for it. Such men as you are greatly wanted there." "Such men as me take blamed good care to bide down in the country--unless they've got reckless masters," said Kekewich. Then he took Malherb's horse and departed, while anon the farmer discoursed very learnedly to his wife concerning Dartmoor. But his knowledge was borrowed; his enthusiasm was no substitute for personal experience. Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt loved the Moor like a mistress. To her faults he was blind; and he had now inspired his friend with kindred ardour. "I long to begin looking for men, but 'tis too soon yet," Malherb declared. "In a few months, however, I shall have work for half a dozen." "And a dairymaid, remember, since you design a complete change, and will not keep our Annie," said Mrs. Malherb. "Yes, the women understand calves and cows wonderfully well up there. Such sheds as I am building--like the cloisters of a cathedral! But stock on Dartmoor in winter needs snug houses and generous treatment." The women caught his mood, and prattled as though they already saw prosperity beckoning out of the future. "After the war 'twill all go well, I pray," said Mrs. Malherb. "All human affairs languish just now; but when the war is ended and Noel comes home---- Peter Norcot, from the Woollen Factory at Chagford, was here in doleful dumps yesterday. The East Indian Company, who is their first customer----" "Did you see him, Grace?" interrupted Maurice. The girl blushed and shook her head, whereupon her father's face grew dark. "For another year you shall have your way, Miss. Then---- I have said it. Then comes the pinch, and somebody will have to learn the duty of a child to its parent."