Clearly Collins had not been put in possession of his mistress's intentions with regard to this plot of ground: and when he learnt them from Mr. Anstruther he displayed no enthusiasm.
“Of course I could clear them seats away soon enough,” he said. “They aren't no ornament to the place, Mr. Anstruther, and rotten too. Look ’ere, sir”—and he broke off a large piece—“rotten right through. Yes, clear them away, to be sure we can do that.”
“And the post,” said Mr. Anstruther, “that's got to go too.”
Collins advanced, and shook the post with both hands: then he rubbed his chin.
“That's firm in the ground, that post is,” he said. “That's been there a number of years, Mr. Anstruther. I doubt I shan't get that up not quite so soon as what I can do with them seats.”
“But your mistress specially wishes it to be got out of the way in an hour's time,” said Mr. Anstruther.
Collins smiled and shook his head slowly.
