Railton's praise had moved her, because she knew the dalesfolk's reserve and that the farmer would not, without good grounds, have spoken as he did.
Moreover, she knew the fells, and it was something of an exploit to bring the sheep from Swinset in the storm.

Kit was, of course, a farmer's son, but he was plucky and generous; besides, she approved his steady look, well-balanced, muscular figure, and clean brown skin.

Then she blushed and began to wonder what she would say about her visit to Mireside when she went home.
In the meantime, Kit ate his breakfast, and soon afterwards Peter Askew came in and began to talk to Railton.

Until the valuation was agreed upon there was nothing for them to do, and it was some time before the men returned from the pens.

They were plain farmers with rather hard, brown faces, and stood about the fire in half-embarrassed silence while Hayes sat down at the table and opened his pocket-book.
"We have made up the tally," he began, and Railton interrupted.
"Counting in the lambs and ewes fra Swinset ?" "They are counted," Hayes replied.