“ ’Twould come easier to Sloppy,” said Mrs. Higden, shaking her head. “ ’Twould come easier to me too. But ’tis as you please.”

“When would you go?”

“Now,” was the bright and ready answer. “Today, my deary, tomorrow. Bless ye, I am used to it. I know many parts of the country well. When nothing else was to be done, I have worked in many a market-garden afore now, and in many a hop-garden too.”

“If I give my consent to your going, Betty⁠—which Mr. Rokesmith thinks I ought to do⁠—”

Betty thanked him with a grateful curtsey.

“⁠—We must not lose sight of you. We must not let you pass out of our knowledge. We must know all about you.”