T' lieutenant (as they ca' him down at t' King's Arms; they're as proud on his uniform as if it had been a new-painted sign to swing o'er their doors), t' lieutenant had reckoned upo' stayin' longer wi' 'em; but he went out betimes o' Tuesday morn', an' came back a' ruffled up, an paid his bill--paid for his breakfast, though he touched noane on it--an' went off i' Rob postman's mail-cart, as starts reg'lar at ten o'clock.

Corneys has been theere askin' for him, an' makin' a piece o' work, as he niver went near em; and they bees cousins.

Niver a one among 'em knows as he were here as far as a could mak' out.' 'Thank yo', Kester,' said Sylvia, falling back in her chair, as if all the energy that had kept her stiff and upright was gone now that her anxiety was relieved.
She was silent for a long time; her eyes shut, her cheek laid on her child's head.

Kester spoke next.
'A think it's pretty clear as they'n niver met.

But it's a' t' more wonder where thy husband's gone to.