Sylvia's Lovers - Page 106/290

'Ay, she's noane forgotten it, and has done her five stitches a day,

bless her; and a dunnot believe as yo' know her again. She's Phoebe

Moorsom, and a'm Hannah, and a've dealt at t' shop reg'lar this

fifteen year.' 'I'm very sorry,' said Philip. 'I was up late last night, and I'm a

bit dazed to-day. Well! this is nice work, Phoebe, and I'm sure I'm

very much beholden to yo'. And here's five sticks o' barley-sugar,

one for every stitch, and thank you kindly, Mrs. Moorsom, too.' Philip took the handkerchief and hoped he had made honourable amends

for his want of recognition. But the wee lassie refused to be lifted

down, and whispered something afresh into her mother's ear, who

smiled and bade her be quiet. Philip saw, however, that there was

some wish ungratified on the part of the little maiden which he was

expected to inquire into, and, accordingly, he did his duty.

'She's a little fool; she says yo' promised to gi'e her a kiss, and

t' make her yo'r wife.' The child burrowed her face closer into her mother's neck, and

refused to allow the kiss which Philip willingly offered. All he

could do was to touch the back of the little white fat neck with his

lips. The mother carried her off only half satisfied, and Philip

felt that he must try and collect his scattered wits, and be more

alive to the occasion.

Towards the dinner-hour the crowd slackened; Hester began to

replenish decanters and bottles, and to bring out a fresh cake

before she went home to dinner; and Coulson and Philip looked over

the joint present they always made to her on this day. It was a silk

handkerchief of the prettiest colours they could pick out of the

shop, intended for her to wear round her neck. Each tried to

persuade the other to give it to her, for each was shy of the act of

presentation. Coulson was, however, the most resolute; and when she

returned from the parlour the little parcel was in Philip's hands.

'Here, Hester,' said he, going round the counter to her, just as she

was leaving the shop. 'It's from Coulson and me; a handkerchief for

yo' to wear; and we wish yo' a happy New Year, and plenty on 'em;

and there's many a one wishes the same.' He took her hand as he said this. She went a little paler, and her

eyes brightened as though they would fill with tears as they met

his; she could not have helped it, do what she would. But she only

said, 'Thank yo' kindly,' and going up to Coulson she repeated the

words and action to him; and then they went off together to dinner.