Then she heard him say in another tone:

'An I got a bit o' news down at the club as will liven yer up. Parkinson
was there; just come over from Frampton to see his mother; an he says
John will be here to-morrer or next day. 'Be seed him yesterday--pulled
down dreadful--quite the old man, 'ee says. An John told him as he was
comin 'ome directly to live comfortable.'

Bessie drew her shawl over her head.

'To-morrer, did yer say?' she asked in a whisper.

'Mos like. Now you go to sleep; I'll put out the lamp.'

But all night long Bessie lay wide awake in torment, her soul hardening
within her, little by little.




SCENE IV

Just before dark on the following day, a man descended
from a down train at the Clinton Magna station. The porters knew him and
greeted him; so did one or two labourers outside, as he set off to walk
to the village which was about a mile distant.

'Well, John, so yer coom back,' said one of them, an old man, grasping
the newcomer by the hand. 'An I can't say as yer looks is any credit to