"No doubt that spiteful woman--Dorcas I mean--would be quick to make mischief if ’twas in her power," declared Rhoda. "It isn’t. There’s no power on God’s earth powerful enough to make mischief between me and Madge." "Then look after her closer," said his sister. It was out and she expected a shower of exclamations and questions. But they did not come. David dropped a hammer, stood up, and replied. He had not wholly understood. "I will," he answered. "I’ll think this very night how to give her a bit of a treat. ’Tis natural, without a cradle in the house, she’s moped. Us must make it up to her a little, Rhoda. Such towsers for work as you and me forget sometimes that some natures call for a little play as well. I’ll look closer after her pleasure and such like. We’ll go to Tavistock revel. I hadn’t thought to do it; but we’ll all take a whole holiday and not do a stroke of work for the day. At least no more than we’m bound to do." "I mean all the time, David, not just for a day." "Fancy your saying this to me! And now I’ll surprise you too. You ban’t the first who has talked like this. Crocker did the very same a bit ago, and I took it as kind in him, for I’m that sort of man. I’m not a jealous chap--too sensible for that. But if ’twas known what I felt for Madge, I dare say people, that see me so busy and wrapped up in getting on, might wonder. Even you don’t quite see it, Rhoda. Still, this I will say I blame myself as I did before. I’m not one to think I’m always right; and love should out, not lie asleep in the heart. ’Tis nought unless you see it and let it work all the time, as you say." "Don’t for God’s sake, talk like that," she begged earnestly. "Who am I to lecture you? What do I know of love? What do I want to know of it? I only care for you and your good, else I wouldn’t have said this much." She was thinking more of what he had just spoken than what she herself was saying. Bartley Crocker had taken her brother to task on this identical theme! She gasped with secret amazement at such extraordinary news. Doubtless this meant that Crocker and Margaret-- Here she barred her own thoughts. She refused to examine what such a fact could mean. Her brother made an end of his work. "Now I’m going in to have a tell with Madge," he said. "You come too." But Rhoda refused. "I’m for a walk. ’Tis a fair night." They parted; he returned to his house; she loosed two dogs and went off on to the Moor. David lighted his pipe and sat by his fire. Margaret was working at the table. For a time he kept silence, and then she spoke. "What are you thinking on, dear heart? I hope all be going well at Tavistock?" "I wasn’t troubling about Tavistock," he answered. "I was thinking what a wonder you be, and how you spoil me, and how I’m not worth it--such a man as me." "David!" "To think as you went to Ditsworthy about rabbit pies! ’Tis things like that make me wonder."