do so much to
spread the more favourable opinion of Ellen Alce that had mysteriously
crept into being since her return. He let off Donkey Street on a three
years' lease to young Jim Honisett, the greengrocer's son at Rye, who
had recently married and whose wish to set up as farmer would naturally
be to the advantage of his father's shop. He let his furniture with it
too.... He himself would take nothing to his brother, who kept house in
a very big way, the same as he farmed.... "Reckon I should ought to
learn a thing or two about grain-growing that'll be useful to me when I
come back," said Arthur stoutly.

He had come to say good-bye to Joanna on a June evening just before the
quarter day. The hot scents of hay-making came in through the open
parlour window, and they were free, for Ellen had gone with Mr. and Mrs.
Southland to Rye for the afternoon--of late she had accepted one or two
small invitations from the neighbours. Joanna poured Arthur out a cup of
tea from the silver teapot he had given her as a wedding present six
years ago.

"Well, Arthur--reckon it'll be a long time before you and me have tea
again together."

"Reckon it will."

"Howsumever, I shall always think of you when I pour it out of your
teapot--which will be every day that I don't have it in the kitchen."

"Thank you, Jo."

"And you'll write and tell me how you're getting on?"

"Reckon I will."

"Maybe you'll send me some samples of those oats your brother did so
well with. I'm not over pleased with that Barbacklaw, and ud make a
change if I could find better."

"I'll be sure and send."

Joanna told him of an inspiration she had had with regard to the poorer
innings of Great Ansdore--she was going to put down fish-guts for
manure--it had done wonders with some rough land over by Botolph's
Bridge--"Reckon it'll half stink the tenants out, but they're at the
beginning of a seven years lease, so they can't help themselves much."
She held forth at great length, and Arthur listened, holding his cup and
saucer carefully on his knee with his big freckled hands. His eyes were
fixed on Joanna, on the strong-featured, high-coloured face he thought
so much more beautiful than Ellen's with its delicate lines and pale,
petal-like skin.... Yes, Joanna was the girl all along--the one for
looks, the one for character--give him Joanna every time, with her red
and brown face, and thick brown hair, and her high, deep bosom, and
sturdy, comfortable wais