d glances.

'It must be a queer sort o' trouble, then,' said Mrs. Mountain; 'an'
you might tell me what it is afore you say that, Mrs. Rusker, arter all
these 'ears as we'n knowed each other.'

'Well, if you must know, I've jist sin young Reddy, i' the road, jist
outside the Five Ash.' Julia's hand was on her shoulder as she spoke,
and she felt the soft touch tremble. 'He's a-leavin' Barfield, agoin' to
London, for a long time.'

'Oh, that's the matter, is it? Well, I don't know anythin' agin the
young man, barrin' as he is a Reddy. An' for the matter o' that, though
o' course a woman has no ch'ice but to stand by the kin as her marries
into, I niver found much harm in 'em, unless it is as they're a bit
stuck up. I know as you was allays fond on him, an' I hope the young man
'll do well. I've often said to Samson as it was all rubbidge, a-keepin'
up a old quarrel like that, as keeps two dacent fam'lys at daggers
drawn. Theer, theer, let Julia get you a cup o' tay, an' let's talk o'
somethin' cheerful.'

'I'll go and send it in to you,' said Julia. She exchanged one quick
glance of intelligence with the widow as she left the room. The old
woman had done her errand, and Julia knew where to seek her lover.
She found her hat in the hall, and slipped out by the back way, after
directing the servant to take in the required refreshment to Mrs.
Busker. It was bright moonlight now, and as she ran lightly across the
Five Ash field in her white summer dress, Dick, waiting in the shelter
of the hedge, saw her plainly, and advanced to meet her.

'Oh, Dick, is it true?'

He took her in his arms and kissed her before he answered. 'Yes, dear,
it's true. I am going to London.'

'But why so suddenly, so soon?'

'I must, dear. It is my own choice. I am going to study, to fit myself
to take my place in the world, and to find a home for you. Be brave,
dear. It is only for a little time.'

'It is all so sudden.'

'Yes. I had hoped to stay a little longer, to see more of you, to get
used to my happiness before I lost it. But my father suspects, I am
sure, if he does not know, and I dared not refuse. It hurts me to go,
but what can I do? You know the man he is. And there is only one thing
in the world that your father would help him to do--to separate us. I
must go away and make a home for you with my own hands; we can expect no
help from them. If we are true to each other we shall be happy yet. Our
love may end the ridiculous fam