Page:Life's little ironies (1894).pdf/213

"'Something’s there !’ said Hannah, starting up.

"'It's nothing, really,’ says Tony, in a soothing voice, and praying inwardly for a way out of this. ‘IT wouldn’t tell ’ee at first, because I wouldn’t frighten ’ee. But, Hannah, Pve really a couple of ferrets in a bag under there, for rabbiting, and they quarrel sometimes. I don’t wish it knowed, as “‘twould be called poaching. Oh, they can’t get ont, blesa ye !— you are quite safe. And—and—what a fine day it is, isn’t it, Hannah, for this time of year? Be you going to market next Saturday? How is your aunt now ?” And so on, says Tony, to keep her from talking any more about love in Milly’s hearing.

“Bat he found his work cut out for him, and wondering again how he should get out of this ticklish business, he looked about for a chance. Nearing home he saw his father in a field not far off, holding up his hand as if he wished to speak to Tony.

“Would you mind taking the reins a moment, Hannah,’ he said, much relieved, ‘ while I go and find out what father wants ?’

“ She consented, and away he hastened into the field, only too glad to get breathing-time. He found that his father was looking at him with rather a stern eye,

“'Come, come, Tony,’ says old Mr, Kytes, as soon as his son was alongside him, ‘this won't do, you know.’

“'What ? says Tony.

“' Why, if you mean to marry Milly Richards, do it, and there's an end o’t, But don't go driving about the country with Jolliver’s daughter and making a scandal. I won’t have such things done.’

"'I only asked her—that is, she asked me—to ride home.’

“'She? Why, now, if it had been Milly, 'twould have been quite proper; but you and Hannah Jolliver going about by yourselves—’