in thee. Coom’th over me as the spring do, though I be naigh three score. Now, Jan, I will tell thee one thing, can’t abear to zee thee vretting so. Hould thee head down, same as they pegs do.’

So I bent my head quite close to her; and she whispered in my ear, ‘Goo of a marning, thee girt soft. Her can’t get out of an avening now, her hath zent word to me, to tull ’ee.’

In the glory of my delight at this, I bestowed upon Betty a chaste salute, with all the pigs for witnesses; and she took it not amiss, considering how long she had been out of practice. But then she fell back, like a broom on its handle, and stared at me, feigning anger.

‘Oh fai, oh fai! Lunnon impudence, I doubt. I vear thee hast gone on zadly, Jan.’