"I can't speak of it, William. I thank you for
meaning kindness, but it's a thing I can't speak of."
Dale also told Mrs. Goudie that Richard Bates had shown himself in the
neighborhood, and asked her if the fact was generally known. He was
aware that Mrs. Goudie had almost as much regard for the old man as he
had himself.
"No, sir," said Mrs. Goudie, "I hadn't 'a' heard of it."
"Then that proves how close he kept. No doubt he came and went as
surreptitiously as he could. Let it be between ourselves, Mrs. Goudie.
Don't spread the tale an inch beyond us three."
"I will not, sir. But, oh, well-a-day, it's a bad bit o' news, sir. I
did hope Mr. Bates was cured o' that runnin' sore."
She had been summoned from the kitchen just before leaving for the
night; and with her shawl over her head, her wrinkled face working,
and her bony hands clasped she stood near the table and waited for Mr.
Dale to give the signal for her to withdraw.
"If you should see him, at any time, let me know, Mrs. Goudie."
"I will, sir."
"I might perhaps do good, if I could get hold of him on the quiet and
address a few words to him."
"I wish you'd break his neck for him, yes, I do, indeed I do. I could
tell you things as 'd make any one say hanging was too good for him.
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