He got through the hedge and came toward the gate.
Then the girl spoke in her strong voice and north-country accent, but Skelton would hardly have known the voice again, it was so soft and sad.
'I've been waiting on ye, Johnnie; some women thinks shame to be first at the trysting, but that's not me when I loves ye true.' At this Skelton by an impulse of honour thought to pass out of ear-shot, and then another motive held him listening.

He thought of the ghostly thing he had seen by this girl, of the wild tale the ploughman had told.
The passion of investigation, which had grown lusty by long exercise, rose within him triumphing over his personal inclinations.

Too much was at stake to miss a chance like this.

Honour in this situation seemed like a flimsy sentiment.

He waited for the answer of the girl's lover with breathless interest.
The man was evidently a fine young fellow, tall and strong, and when he spoke it was not without a touch of manly indignation in his tone.
'If you love me true, Jen, I can't think what the meaning of your doings is.