Osborn's none too fond of them." "He wouldn't like them any better if he knew what I know," Janet remarked with a malicious smile.
"What do you ken about them ?" Bell asked scornfully.
"I don't imagine Osborn wants Kit for his son-in-law." Bell started and then laughed harshly.
"Old wives' crack! Kit's not such a fool!" "You know best," said Janet.

"If you like, I'll tell you what I've seen." She did so and Bell's mean face got thoughtful.

On the whole, Janet did not exaggerate much, although she now and then made a rather unwarranted implication.

She threw a fresh light on matters the gossips already talked about; among others were Grace's visit to Mireside the morning Railton's sheep were counted and her meeting with Kit before he went to look for the Herdwicks.

When she stopped Bell knitted his brows.
"If it was used right, I might mak' some use o' this," he observed.