'Kester! oh, man! speak out, but dunnot leave me a this-ns.

What could I ha' done?
Mother is gone dateless wi' sorrow, and I am but a young lass, i' years I mean; for I'm old enough wi' weeping.' 'I'd ha' put up for t' farm mysel', sooner than had thee turned out,' said Kester, in a low voice; then working himself up into a passion, as a new suspicion crossed his mind, he added, 'An' what for didn't yo' tell me on t' letter?
Yo' were in a mighty hurry to settle it a', and get rid on t' oud place.' 'Measter Hall had sent a notice to quit on Midsummer day; but Philip had answered it hisself.

Thou knows I'm not good at reading writing, 'special when a letter's full o' long words, and Philip had ta'en it in hand to answer.' 'Wi'out asking thee ?' Sylvia went on without minding the interruption.
'And Measter Hall makes a good offer, for t' man as is going to come in will take t' stock and a' t' implements; and if mother--if we--if I--like, th' furniture and a'-- --' 'Furniture!' said Kester, in grim surprise.

'What's to come o' t' missus and thee, that yo'll not need a bed to lie on, or a pot to boil yo'r vittel in ?' Sylvia reddened, but kept silence.
'Cannot yo' speak ?' 'Oh, Kester, I didn't think thou'd turn again' me, and me so friendless.

It's as if I'd been doin' something wrong, and I have so striven to act as is best; there's mother as well as me to be thought on.' 'Cannot yo' answer a question ?' said Kester, once more.