and her wage, and welcome. But unless the master gave his consent," she began to dust the table, "I dursn't do it."
"Is he your landlord?"
"No, he is not."
"Then why need you doubt about taking me?"
"Because Rebow wouldn't allow of it."
"He could not stop me. I am not engaged to him for any time."
"I dursn't do it. How long have you been with Rebow?"
"A little more than a month."
"You've never gone against him, perhaps. If you had, you wouldn't ask me the reason why I dursn't stand in his way."
Mehalah considered. She had opposed Elijah from the very beginning.
"There's no one would dare to do it," continued the landlady. "If you want to get from Master Rebow, you must go farther inland; but I doubt if you'll escape him. However," and she tossed her head, "you only want to make him fast. If a girl gives way at once, she's cheap."
"You mistake me, you altogether mistake me," said Mehalah indignantly. "I will not remain in his house any longer; I must and I will go elsewhere."
"If Elijah Rebow was to take the purse out of my pocket, or the bed from under me, if he was to take my daughter from my side. I dursn't say nay. If you think to escape against the will of the master, you are mistaken."
"I shall."
"Look here," said the landlady; "take my advice and go back and be mum. I won't say another word with you, lest I get into trouble." She turned and left the bar.
Mehalah went out, more determined than ever to break away from Red Hall, whether her mother desired it or not.
She crossed the creaking rude wooden bridge to Virley. The churchyard and the farmyard seemed all one. The pigs were rooting at the graves. A cow was lying in the porch. An old willow drooped over a stagnant pool beneath the chancel window. Shed roof-tiles and willow leaves lay mouldering together on the edge of the pond.
