was turned out of any mill than that done by Clay's Mills.

'We thank you for receiving us to-night, master.--And we are much obliged
to you, miss, for your kind words,' said Luke Mickleroyd.

The millionaire rose from his seat. 'And now, I suppose, we can go and
have our dinner?' he said sarcastically.

'Good-night, Mr Clay.--Good-night, miss,' said the men, and they filed
out into the yard.

The millionaire grunted something which might be interpreted to be a
farewell, and turned to walk out of the other door. He did not wait to
let Horatia pass out first; indeed, he had never even offered her a seat,
though he had sat down himself, these courtesies not being in his way.
Horatia, however, did not seem to notice the want of politeness, but said
a bright goodnight to the deputation, and followed her host out of the
room.

Sykes was waiting at the back-door, watching the door of the steward's
room; and beside him was Naomi, and the moment the men appeared she ran
forward and said, 'Has he given in, father?'

Sykes followed, and came up in time to hear Luke Mickleroyd reply, 'Yes,
he's given way this time, lass.'

'That's a good job! Well, go on into the servants' hall, and have a drink
to celebrate the good news. I must make haste and serve the rest of the
dinner. And another time do you take and come a little later and give a
man a chance to have his dinner in peace,' said Sykes, hurrying off.

'I think we'll be going on to give the answer. I don't feel in no mood
for drink,' said Luke.

'Why not, lad? All's well that ends well, and we've got our way this
time,' said one of the others.

'Ay, we've got it this time; but we sha'n't get it next, without that
young lady works miracles, same as she seems to do wi' Mark Clay,'
replied the man gloomily.

'Tell us about it, father. She's really jolly, ain't she? Whatever did
she go to see you for? She's a caution, is Miss Horatia!' exclaimed
Naomi.

'She's a real good young lady, and wanted to do the family and us men a
good turn. Now, if he'd got a daughter like that!' said Luke.

'Oh, come, father, I'm not going to have a word said against Miss Sarah.
She's not gay like Miss Cunningham, 'tis true; but she's as grieved
['grieved' means 'vexed' in Yorkshire] about the way her father carries
on as can be, only she's too much of a lady to go putting herself in a
man's place,' said Naomi, defending her young mistress hotly.

'The other's more of a lady if you go b