But a dunnot believe it; them Corney lasses were allays a-talkin' an' a-thinking on sweethearts, and niver a man crossed t' threshold but they tried him on as a husband.

An' their mother were no better: Kinraid has spoken civil to Bessy as became a lad to a lass, and she makes an ado over him as if they'd been to church together not a week sin'.' 'I dunnot uphold t' Corneys; but Molly Corney--as is Molly Brunton now--used to speak on this dead man to our Sylvie as if he were her sweetheart in old days.

Now there's no smoke without fire, and I'm thinking it's likely enough he were one of them fellows as is always after some lass or another, and, as often as not, two or three at a time.

Now look at Philip, what a different one he is! He's niver thought on a woman but our Sylvie, I'll be bound.

I wish he wern't so old-fashioned and faint-hearted.' 'Ay! and t' shop's doin' a vast o' business, I've heard say.