"Napoleon have been to seek you at your father’s farm, Margaret Bowden, but you was better employed seemingly. My father is took very ill indeed, and your husband be gone up over to him. You’d best get home--if you can spare the time to think of your home. I shall be back by night, but David may not be able to come." She swept on her way and left them staring at each other. Margaret was dishevelled and the shock of this meeting had dried her tears. "Good Lord! that’s bad luck. She saw me kiss you, I’ll swear," murmured Bartley. "And now she’ll believe there’s another married woman in the case! Will she tell David?" "What if she does? I’ll tell him myself. D’you think he’d care?" "Shall I go after her and explain?" "No," she answered. "Let her be." "It’s time I was off anyhow. But poor old Elias! ’Very ill indeed,’ she said. I hope he’s not booked. Can’t think of Ditsworthy without him." They talked a little longer and Mr. Crocker was glad that there had come distraction for Margaret’s mind. She deeply felt parting from him, for he had bulked largely in her life, and he too had enjoyed her loyal friendship and owed her much, though her labours on his behalf were all fruitless. But now the moment was come in which they must part; and he knew that the parting was probably eternal. He did not, however, intend that she should know it. He lied glibly about coming over to ’Meavy Cot’ on the following day; then he talked of other matters, and then, when they had drifted down to Nosworthy bridge, pretended to be amazed at the time. "I must be pushing back in a hurry. My boxes go off first thing to-morrow. And I daresay I shall get up to Ditsworthy after dark and may have a tell with David there. But if Rhoda has already told him she saw me kissing you--!" "He’d laugh. He’s not the sort to mind that between me and you." "I know he isn’t. I was only joking." She revealed extreme solicitude for his future. "You’ll take all care of yourself wherever you be; and you’ve promised, on your word of honour, to come home and see old friends inside five year." "On my word of honour. And you’ve got to write, and keep me up in the news, and tell me all about the house at Tavistock and everywhere else that’s interesting." He shook hands and moved off quickly, while she, too, went on her way. But, when her back was turned, he stood still and took his last look; for, despite promises, the man had no intention to see her again. His ship was to start after noon on the following day, and he meant to leave Sheepstor at dawn of the morrow. Now Margaret swiftly faded into the dusk, and he went forward, subdued and as melancholy as his spirit allowed. "So good and brave a woman as ever walked this earth," he said to himself. "God send me such another; but ’tis hardly likely."