Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/189

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184
BETWEEN TWO LOVES.

another hour to-night, and I'll spend that in getting to know thee."

With these words he dropped the subject of the lawsuit entirely, and manifested an almost childish curiosity about Eleanor's appearance, her dresses, her entertainments at Aske Hall, her presentation at court, and her acquaintance with great people. If Jonathan had not first seen the other side of his uncle's character, he would almost have despised him for his womanish curiosity about such small things.

In the morning, however, Jonas Shuttleworth was a very different man. Before Burley had finished his breakfast he was at his hotel. "Ay," he said, in answer to Burley's invitation, "ay, I'll have a cup o' coffee; eating and drinking helps talking. I think I hev got t' hang o' thy affairs now, and I'll tell thee what we'll do. First, about thy mill; how many looms hes ta idle!"

"Eight hundred."

"Set 'em going at once."

"It will take a deal o' money to do that."

"I'll be bound for it. I'll hev to do summat wi' my brass. I was thinking o' sending it to t' Fejees and t' Africans; but happen it will be