As for Bassett, he had a flat face, like
a skate, with a slit for a mouth and little pin-point eyes overhung with
red hair. He was forty-five and growing bald and his left leg gave at the
knee. He was a good sort really, and did kind things for his poorer
neighbours. There was a touch of the romantical in him also, and he liked
the thought of marrying a pretty girl and making her mistress of his plum
orchards and mother of his heir. Because his first had failed him in that
matter.
And now, as Fox ferried William over the water on a crisp October morning,
he bade him waste no more time, but begin to court Christie like a lover
if so be he wanted her.
"We're your side as you know," said Jimmy Fox, "and my wife and I are very
wishful to see it happen; but you've got to set on to her, for she's young
and a fine sight in the eyes of her own generation. In fact she may fall
in love any minute with something better to look at than you."
But William weren't frightened of that.
"She's got a lot of sense, and knows which side her bread is buttered," he
said. "She won't trouble about another when she hears I want her. Because
she knows my character, and can count on having a very good time along
with me. I'll ax her to tea Sunday, and tell her I'll wed her when she
pleases. No need to waste time love-making with a shrewd piece like her.
She'll come to me and we'll be married afore Christmas.
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