"
"Heaven forbid!" said the squire. "You wouldn't touch such pitch as that
under any circumstances. Besides, what do you want in the way of
defenders? You're safe enough where you are."
Juliet was smiling whimsically. "But who knows?" she said. "I may be
dismissed in disgrace to-morrow."
"No," he said briefly. "That won't happen. Your position here is secure
as long as you consent to fill it."
"How rash of you," she said.
"A matter of opinion!" said Fielding. "How would you like to go over and
see the cricket at Fairharbour this afternoon?"
She gave him a quick look. "Oh, is that the alternative to the races?"
He frowned. "I have already told you the races are out of the question."
"I see," said Juliet thoughtfully. "Then I am afraid the cricket-match is
also--unless Mrs. Fielding wants to go."
"I'll make her go," said squire.
"No! No! Don't make her do anything--please!" begged Juliet. "That is
just the worst mistake you could possibly make. To be honest, I would
rather--much--go to the open-air concert at High Shale this evening."
"Along with those rowdy miners?" growled the squire. "I see enough of
them on the Bench.
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