in."

Lilac glanced at the various feathered families outside; they were
supposed to be Bella's charge, she knew, but she generally gave them
over to Agnetta, who looked after them when she was inclined, and often
forgot to search for the eggs altogether.

"They wants care," continued Ben, "as well as most things. I don't name
no names, but the young broods had ought to be better looked after in
the spring. And they're worth it. There's ducks now--chancy things is
early ducks, but they pay well. Git 'em hatched out early. Feed 'em
often. Keep 'em warm and dry at fust. Let 'em go into the water at the
right time. Kill 'em and send 'em up to Lunnon, and there you are--a
good profit. Why, you'll git 15 shillings the couple for ducklings in
March! That's not a price to sneeze at, that isn't. I name no names,"
he repeated mysteriously, "but them as don't choose to take the pains
can't expect the profit."

At supper that night Lilac remembered this conversation with Ben, and
examined Peter's countenance curiously as he sat opposite to her with
his whole being apparently engrossed by the meal. She could not,
however, discover any kind or pleasant expression upon it. If it were
there at all, it was unable to struggle through the thick dull mask
spread over it. Bella meanwhile had news to tell. She had heard at
Dimbleby's that afternoon that there was to be a grand fete in Lenham
next week. Fireworks and a balloon, and perhaps dancing and a band.
Charlotte Smith said it would be splendid, and she was going to have a
new hat on purpose.

"Well, I haven't got no money to throw away on new hats and suchlike,"
said Mrs Greenways, "but I s'pose you and Agnetta'll want to go too."

"How'll we get over there?" asked Bella, looking fixedly at Peter, who
did not raise his eyes from his plate. Mrs Greenways turned her glance
in the same direction, and said presently:

"Well, perhaps Peter he could drive you over in the spring cart."

"Hay harvest," muttered Peter, deep down in his mug; "couldn't spare
time."

"Oh, bother," said Bella. "Then we must do with Ben."

"Couldn't spare him neither," was Peter's answer. "Heavy crop. Want
all the hands we can get."

Bella pouted and Agnetta looked on the edge of tears. Mrs Greenways,
anxious to settle matters comfortably, made another suggestion.

"Well, you must just drive yourselves then, Bella. The white horse is
quiet. I've drove him often."

"Couldn't sp