is
no fit place for you," she added, with a glance that summed the
intruder up from head to heel.

Milbanke laughed a little awkwardly.

"So long as you make no objection," he said with amiable haste, "I see
nothing to find fault with."

But Hannah gave an incredulous shake of her head.

"Ah! you do be sayin' that," she replied sagely. "But 'tis a quare
place you'll be findin' Orristown after England." She added this in a
persuasive tone, making a tentative cast for the stranger's sentiments.

But before the fish could rise to her bait, her attention was claimed
in another direction. A pellet of mud, aimed with extreme accuracy,
came flying through the open window and hit her on the cheek.

Milbanke glanced round quickly; Clodagh laughed; and the victim of the
assault gave a gasp, pushed her saucepans aside, and thrust her head
through the window.

"Wait till I catch you, Masther Larry!" she cried across the yard. "How
can I be doin' the work of six women and three men with the likes of
you trapesin' about? 'Pon my word, I'll tell on you--I'll tell your
uncle on you. Long threatenin' comes at last!"

But the only response that greeted her was a smothered laugh from the
stables opposite--a laugh which Clodagh involuntarily echoed.

Instantly Hannah wheeled round from the window.

"Ah! Miss Clodagh, isn't it a shame for you?" she exclaimed
tremulously. "Isn't it a shame for you now to be encouragin' that brat
of a boy? Sure, 'tis the third time he thrun his marbles of mud at me
this mornin'. So signs, I'll spake to the masther. I will so."

She gave her apron a defiant tug.

Milbanke stood uncertain and embarrassed, nervously curious as to
Clodagh's next move. With a certain misgiving he saw her face brim over
with delight; then with a sense of complete amazement he saw her step
suddenly to the side of the indignant Hannah, throw one arm impulsively
round her neck, and give her a hasty kiss.

"Indeed you won't speak to him, Hannah--and you know you won't," she
said in her most beguiling tones. "And you'll make a griddle cake for
lunch--just to show you aren't angry. Come on, Mr. Milbanke! Larry is
waiting."

As they crossed the kitchen, Hannah defiantly passed the corner of her
apron across her eyes and ostentatiously resumed her interrupted work.

At the door Clodagh looked back.

"Hannah!" she said persuasively.

Hannah began to scrape her saucepan.

"Go on wid you now, Miss Clodagh!" she cried. "