There's many another man 'ud hanker more than he does. He's
the best of husbands.'
'Oh, I know,' said Priscilla, smiling sarcastically, 'I know the
way o' wives; they set one on to abuse their husbands, and then they
turn round on one and praise 'em as if they wanted to sell 'em. But
father'll be waiting for me; we must turn now.'
The large gig with the steady old grey was at the front door, and
Mr Lammeter was already on the stone steps, passing the time in
recalling to Godfrey what very fine points Speckle had when his master
used to ride him.
'I always would have a good horse, you know,' said the old
gentleman, not liking that spirited time to be quite effaced from
the memory of his juniors.
'Mind you bring Nancy to the Warrens before the week's out, Mr
Cass,' was Priscilla's parting injunction, as she took the reins,
and shook them gently, by way of friendly incitement to Speckle.
'I shall just take a turn to the fields against the Stone-pits,
Nancy, and look at the draining,' said Godfrey.
'You'll be in again by tea-time, dear?'
'Oh, yes, I shall be back in an hour.'
It was Godfrey's custom on a Sunday afternoon to do a little
contemplative farming in a leisurely walk. Nancy seldom accompanied
him; for the women of her generation- unless like Priscilla, they took
to outdoor management- were not given to much walking beyond their own
house and garden, finding sufficient exercise in domestic duties.
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