Dad was a just man.

The "cove" was a union shearer--did it for four shillings and six pence.

Wanted five bob, but Dad beat him down.
Anybody else would have asked a pound.
When Nell DID make up her mind to go, it was with a rush, and, if the slip-rails were on the ground, she'd refuse to take them.

She'd stand and look out into the lane.

You'd have to get off and drag the rails aside (about twenty, counting broken ones).