But he had gone altogether." Reay stood thinking.
"I tell you what, Mary," he said at last, "I'll take a brisk walk down the road towards Minehead.

I should think that's the only place where he'd try for work.

I daresay I shall overtake him." Her eyes brightened.
"Yes, that's quite possible,"-- and she was evidently pleased at the suggestion.

"He's so old and feeble, and you're so strong and quick on your feet----" "Quick with my lips, too," said Angus, promptly kissing her.

"But I shall have to be on my best behaviour now you're all alone in the cottage, Mary! David has left you defenceless!" He laughed, but as she raised her eyes questioningly to his face, grew serious.
"Yes, my Mary! You'll have to stay by your own sweet lonesome! Otherwise all the dear, kind, meddlesome old women in the village will talk! Mrs.
Twitt will lead the chorus, with the best intentions, unless--and this is a dreadful alternative!--you can persuade her to come up and play propriety!" The puzzled look left her face, and she smiled though a wave of colour flushed her cheeks.
"Oh! I see what you mean, Angus! But I'm too old to want looking after--I can look after myself." "Can you ?" And he took her into his arms and held her fast.