shoulder and went out with him. They stood on the stone steps a few minutes talking very earnestly, the overlooker, in his long, checked pinafore and cloth cap, making a strong contrast to the master in handsome broadcloth and fine linen. And the subject of their conversation was singular, considering the place and business relations of the two men.
"Burley," said Ben Holden, "thou hesn't been to thy class-meeting in five weeks."
"And I'll not be there to-night, Ben."
"My word, but God hes a deal to do wi' some folks before he can get 'em to do right"
"Why, thou knows I'm a bit bothered about my daughter Eleanor and Anthony Aske. They don't get on as well as might be, and I'm none going to fetch my family troubles to t' class meeting. Not I."
"Nay, I niver heard tell of it before. It sounds varry like uncommon nonsense. Eleanor's nobbut a child, it's a queer thing if Aske is letting her dispute with him already."
"Ben, thou art a bachelor. Little thou knows of women, and there's no use in telling thee how they do manage men in these days. St. Paul himself would niver hev believed it, niver!"
