ave you had your tea, dear?"

"No. I asked her to bring it, and then I sort of fell asleep ..."

"I'll give it to you."

She poured out his tea, giving him a hot black cup, with plenty of
sugar, as they liked it on the Marsh. He drank it eagerly, and felt
better.

"Jo, how good of you to come over and see me. Who told you I was back?"

"I heard it from Milly Pump, and she heard it from Broadhurst."

"I meant to send a message round to you. I hope I'll be all right
to-morrow."

"Reckon you will, dear.... Martin, you heard what I said--about marrying
you when you want?"

"Do you mean it?"

"Of course I mean it--I came over a-purpose to tell you. While you was
away I did some thinking, and I found that Ansdore doesn't matter to me
what it used. It's only you that matters now."

She was crouching at his feet, and he stooped over her, taking her in
his arms, drawing her back between his knees.

"You noble, beloved thing ..."

The burning touch of his lips and face reminded her that he was ill, so
the consecration of her sacrifice lost a little of its joy.

"You're feverish--you should ought to go to bed."

"I'm going--when I've had another cup of tea. Will you give me another,
child?"

"I've a mind to go home through Brodnyx and ask Dr. Taylor to call
round."

"Oh, I don't think I'm bad enough for a doctor--I catch cold easily,
and I was wet through the other night."

"Was it that!" Her voice shook with consternation.

"I expect so--but don't fret, darling Jo. It's nothing. I'll be quite
right to-morrow--I feel better already."

"I think you should ought to see a doctor, though. I'll call in on my
way back. I'll can in on Mr. Pratt, too, and tell him to start crying us
next Sunday."

"That's my business--I'll go to-morrow. But are you sure, darling, you
can make such a sacrifice? I'm afraid I've been a selfish beast, and I'm
spoiling your plans."

"Oh no, you ain't. I feel now as if I wanted to get married more'n
anything wotsumever. The shearing ull do proper--the men know their
job--and Broadhurst ull see to the hay. They dursn't muck things up,
knowing as I'll be home to see to it by July."

"To say nothing of me," said Martin, pinching her ear.

"To say nothing of you."

"Joanna, you've got on the old hat ..."

"I put it on special."

"Bless you."

He pulled her down to the arm of his chair, and for a moment they
huddled together, cheek on cheek. The opening of the door made Joanna
s