oxford shirting, two pairs of long stockings, a corduroy jacket, and his
best suit of black serge bound with braid round the coat. There was a
revolver, too, a clasp knife, a unused church-warden, an old wide-awake
hat. To-morrow she would write to the Union, and offer to bring up the
child when he was weaned.




CHAPTER XX


It was a cool evening in early summer, full of the leisurely peace of
the country. The women were out of doors after much perspiring work
within. It was too early for the shadows, yet a sensible relief to the
day's ardour, which one was disposed to linger and enjoy, was evident in
the tranquil atmosphere, and on the relaxed faces of those who lingered
about the doors of the cottages, or turned the bleaching clothes on the
hedges. Mrs Hankworth, in a fashionable bonnet and dark green dress,
which proclaimed a ceremonial visit, was driving beside her husband in a
light yellow trap, in the unusual direction of Anne Hilton's cottage.
Her husband, with his eyes on the road, suddenly pulled up the horse.

"Now, where did you two come from?" he ejaculated, jumping from the trap
and examining the backs of two enormous sows, who were munching and
rooting in foreign ground with great satisfaction. At the sight of their
enemy, a man, they began that lumbering but nimble trot, by which their
tribe elude and disregard anything disagreeable.

"You better get up again," said Mrs Hankworth. "We'll keep up to them