"Because no man as is a man takes money unless he's earned it or lent
it, or happens to be starving--"
"Nor woman either!" said Diana.
"Very well!" quoth I, a little ruefully, cramming the money back into
my pockets. "Then perhaps you will come to Tonbridge and help me to
spend it?"
"I would wi' j'y, but there's my work--ask Ann, she'll go wi' you."
"I'm busy, too!" said she, whereupon I turned and strode off in high
dudgeon. But presently she overtook me, "Don't you think you'd better
wash first?" she enquired. At this I stopped, for I had clean
forgotten my grime.
"Why should I trouble to wash? How can it matter to you?"
"Not much, Peregrine, but you look a little better with a clean face
and we shall likely meet plenty o' folk--"
"Do you mean you will come with me?"
"Yes, Peregrine."
"Then I'll wash."
"Yes, I brought you the soap and towel." So we came to the brook where
she sat to watch while I performed my so necessary ablutions.
"I have no wish to hinder your work," said I, towelling vigorously.
"No, Peregrine."
"And I am quite able to find my way to Tonbridge alone."
"Yes, Peregrine."
"And it is a goodish distance, so if you would rather not come, pray
do not trouble."
"No, Peregrine."
"Heavens, girl!" I cried. "Cannot you say more than 'yes and no,
Peregrine'?"
"Aye, I could!" she nodded. "I could say you are a fool and a sight
too cocksure--and, oh, a lot more--but I won't!" with which she rose
and left me.
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