The Miller's Daughter

Front matter

THE MILLER'S DAUGHTER. $g the same Jluthor. GLADYS, THE REAPER. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, bevelled boards, gilt edges, price 3-**. 6d. SIMPLICITY AND FASCINATION. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, bevelled boards, gilt edges, price 3*. 6d. NOTHING VENTURE, NOTHING HAVE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, bevelled boards, gilt edges, price 5*. ROSE MERVYN: A Story of the Rebecca Riots. Crown 8vo, clothr-elegant, bevelled boards, gilt edges, price $s. . -"— VEONDON : GRIFFITH FARRAN OKEDEN & WELSH. AND SYDNEY. The miller spread the half-open papers on the table before him. — p. 255. THE MILLER'S DAUGHTER BY ANNE BEALE, AUTHOR OF 'THE PENNANT FAMILY," "SIMPLICITY AND FASCINATION," "GLADYS, THE reaper," " nothing venture, nothing have," " rose mervyn, etc., etc. "O my love's like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June ; O my love's like the melodie That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in love am I : And I will love thee still, my dear. Till a' the seas gang dry." Burns. IHuetratfb bv Jttaralla SBalker. LONDON: GRIFFITH FARRAN OKEDEN & WELSH, NEWBERY HOUSE, CHARING CROSS ROAD. AND SYDNEY. \The Rights of Translation arid Reproduction are Reserved^] CONTENTS. CHAP* PAGE I. MARK AND THE ' SEA SERPENT' I II. JERUSHA AND THE PEDLAR 7 III. ALWAYS TOO LATE 17 IV. UNEXPECTED VISITORS 24 V. A FIRST PROPOSAL 32 VI. MARK AT THE CAVE AGAIN 41 VII. MISS MARTHA OFFENDED 48 VIII. A YOUNG COASTGUARDSMAN 55 IX. rushy's "FANCY MAN" 65 X. A RESTLESS SABBATH 69 XI. ALL SORTS OF VISITORS 78 XII. DANGERFIELD GRANGE 85 XIII. JERUSHA'S LIFE-STREAM 92 XIV. "HOW VERY, VERY KIND" IOI XV. "MY LUVE IS LIKE THE RED, RED ROSE" I08 XVI. IS JERUSHA JEALOUS? ... • 115 XVII.

THE EVE OF THE WEDDING 122 XVIII. SOLOMON IN TROUBLE 1 28 XIX AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING 1 35 XX. THE HILL FARM 143 XXI. THE LANGUAGE OF THE EYES 151 XXII. CLEARING OF THE DAIRY-HOUSE 158 XXIII. THE DANGEROUS PASSION 1 64 XXIV. "TU-WHIT, TU-WHOO" 171 XXV. JANEY'S GHOST CONTENTS. viii CHAP. PAGE XXVI. THE RAKINGS OF THE MOON 184 XXVII. "MEN MOST WATCH, AND WOMEN MUST WEEP " ... 19I XXVIII. THREE MONTHS' GRACE 195 XXIX. HAPPIER THAN TWO CHILDREN 205 XXX. ALONE WITH DANGERFIELD 214 XXXI. CONFLICTING ELEMENTS 2 20 xxxn. "his wife" 227 XXXIII. "SHE IS MINE! SHE IS MINE!" 235 XXXIV. FIRMAN AT THE CAVE 242 XXXV. SOLOMON AGAIN ... 249 XXXVI. TILLY'S JEALOUS WATCHES 256 XXXVII. ON THE BRIDGE BY MOONLIGHT 262 XXXVIII. AN ENCOUNTER IN THE CAVE 269 XXXIX. DANGERFIELD'S NEXT MOVE 276 XL. JANEY LOST 282 XLI.

Chapter I. Mark And The

' SEA SERPENT One sultry, misty evening in June, a small vessel lay at anchor not far from the coast of one of the southern English counties. She was anxiously watched by a young man who was hurrying across the cliffs in her direction, telescope in hand. This was Mark Gay, son of the miller of Beachton. Having worked, against the grain, at the mill all day, he was in search of the occupation he loved. He was glad to see the clouds and the mists gather as the tide came in, because his object was concealment, therefore he was quite happy when the last gleam of a lurid sun disappeared behind a thick mantle of sea-fog. When he had traversed about a couple of miles of cliff and down, he descended by a rough path to the beach. As the tide was nearly up to the rocks that impeded its flow, he scrambled to a boulder, and leapt from stone to stone until he came to a well-concealed path in the rocks, that he evidently knew.

It could scarcely be called a path, since it consisted of rough steps, hewn, seemingly by Nature, amongst the crags, and hidden from view by the garments of gorse, lichens, and parasitical plants thrown over and clinging about them. Mark was obliged to remove and replace these as he made his way through them B with some difficulty. But he was strong, lithe, and used to danger, so all obstacles seemed light to him, and only added zest to the attainment of his objects. He was of an adventurous spirit, and always ready to embark on any ocean that could lead him to new undertakings, whether it was rough or smooth. As he struggled on, the ocean before him began to wax angry, and the clouds above him to pour down their floods through heaven's open windows. A dozen or so of these steps, however, brought him to a cave in the rocks, into which he crept through an opening concealed with brushwood.

"Hurrah, here you be, then, Measter Mark!" greeted him as he poked in his head. The speaker was Levi Tuck, one of his father's men. " Yes, here I am," cried Mark, standing up and shaking himself. " Is she likely to come in to-night ? " "Zure and zartain, Measter Mark," replied Levi. The cavern was tolerably high, and so framed by Nature's cunning hand as to give refuge to hapless fugitives. In past generations it had served for this end, when barbarous feuds and wars caused men's lives to be in jeopardy ; but in Mark's day it was needed for no such friendly purpose. Indeed it was nearly forgotten, and if remembered at all, was merely mentioned as being somewhere or other amongst the rocks. There was an opening in front, wide enough to admit a view of the sea, and an indefinitely long passage at the back, dark and narrow enough for conceal ment.

Mark glanced out of the casementless window at the vessel which had previously attracted his attention. She was riding at anchor within a safe distance from the cove which the cavern surmounted, while a fishing-boat was moored beneath, containing two men, one of whom was Job Tuck, Levi's brother, a fisherman by trade. They were apparently waiting the hour and opportunity either for pushing off for a haul, or for returning to Beachton if the storm proved too overwhelming. The rocks jutted far out into the sea on either side of the little bay or creek that lav beneath the cave, and had been known to shelter small MARK AND THE 'SEA-SERPENT.' 3 craft in times of danger. It would appear that the vessel in front was lying to with a view to putting in, in case of peril, and as Mark stood watching her keenly and anxiously, he might have been considering her chances of safety as the ■wind and sea rose high.

By degrees, however, " darkness crept over the face of the deep," and he could discern her no longer. " Now be the time ; the tide be at vull," whispered Levi. Almost as he spoke Mark descried the vessel dimly, surmounting a huge wave, and riding gallantly into the little harbour. A shout from below was taken up above, and Levi Tuck kindled a light in the dark cavern. Mark grew excited, walked to and fro, and talked loudly. " Bide you here a while, Measter Mark," said Levi. But Mark was not the man to "bide" anywhere while there was daring work to do ; so he followed Levi out of the cave to the dangerous path of steps. There was light enough to enable them to grope their way down, now clinging to a bramble, anon to a bracken. More than once Mark was in peril of slipping from his insecure footing, and being thrown down the cliff into the sea ; but he reached the last step finally, and leapt from it into the boat.

The vessel had waited for time and tide, and had come in at the right moment, under cover of the darkness. The threatening storm lulled, and the sullen waves fell, while a sudden gleam of dying sunlight pierced the clouds, and revealed a strange, wild scene. The boat was alongside the vessel, and her two sailors were receiving and stowing away packages hurled at them by the numerous crew of. the larger craft. Lanterns and torches gleamed and flitted about the deck, in the fitful light of which the faces of the men looked almost demo niacal. Those belonging to the vessel were principally foreigners, and their scarlet head-gear and many-coloured vests showed out curiously from time to time in the uncer tain summer twilight. The sea was comparatively calm in the small cove, and enabled the men to do their nefari ous work.

This they did amid a storm of oaths which were uttered in a jargon of the English, Dutch, and French languages. These oaths redoubled as some of the packages were hauled, with difficulty and by torchlight, up the steps to the cave, and but for Mark's resolution, his friends, the Tucks, would have given in. Having been a voyage or two in the vessel, the Sea Serpent by name, he knew both her and her captain, and took a wild delight in showing how little he cared for danger. One moment he was in the boat, the next on the deck of the vessel ; now helping the cargo up the steps, anon hiding it in the depths of the cave. He was aware that at that time his father and his sister Jerusha were expecting him and Levi to join in family prayer ; and he knew that they must frame excuses to account for their absence ; but he had embarked with the captain of the Sea Serpent in smuggling practices, and he did not mean to relinquish them.

On the contrary, his conscience being elastic, he chose to think it lawful to cir cumvent the Government, and forestall free trade. His first step into the reckless ways of dissimulation was taken when, contrary to his father's desire, he left the work God gave him to do, and went to sea. He there imbibed the principles of the trade in which he had since, unfortunately, embarked. Experience proved that the excessive nature of the tariffs on goods, both in England and France, even far into the present century, caused daring people to risk every thing in order to smuggle prohibited articles into those countries. The cost of preventing it in England was enormous. The Preventive Service and the Coast Block ade were organized for this purpose, but so long as a profit was to be made commensurate with the risk, the smu^^lers continued to brave these forces.

The Admiralty and Board of ± rade failed to exterminate them, as did fines imprison ment or service in the Royal Navy, to deter them from their illicit traffic. The reduction of the duties on silks tea, and other articles has done more to repress it than all the revenue officers put together; but these had not been curtailed at the period when the Sea Serpent dashed into MARK AND THE 'SEA-SERPENT.' 5 Hollow Cove ; and the country folks still took pleasure in aiding the smuggler to bring in and dispose of his goods. Thus it was that the Tucks, and similar simple people, had their wits occasionally sharpened, and the safety of their persons endangered, by helping to land and stow away tempting spirits, as well as silks and laces, and now and again to lose their wits by drinking the one, or their lives in defending the other.

And thus it was that Mark began a career, the end of which he could not foresee or imagine, and that he remained to help his very doubtful friends and acquaintances, until the vessel was unloaded, and the cargo to all appearance safe. A portion of the latter lay in the boat, concealed beneath nets, fishing-tackle, oars, and the like, and was confided to the care of Job Tuck and two other Beachton fishermen, while the rest was hidden in the cave, under the supervision of Mark, Levi, and a man named Chivers, whose home was not far from the cove. The captain of the Sea Serpent was an Englishman named Dangerfield. He exercised considerable power over Mark, who, though daring enough, had his weak points. They spoke to one another from time to time when they encountered, and the Captain paused in his oaths and his orders to make inquiries of moment to both.

" Are we suspected ? Is the Sea Serpent safe ? " he asked. " I hear nothing to the contrary. She is reckoned honest," replied Mark. " Honest ! — I should think so," thundered the Captain. " She only carries cheap goods to those who can't afford dear ones. When are you coming another voyage ? " "As soon as father will let me. He keeps me tight at milling, and I'm obliged to be as meek as a lamb." " Haw, haw ; we're jolly lambs, all of us Southdowners ! When shall we come to a settlement ? Will you meet me at Sandport this night fortnight ? " " Yes. And will you pay us a visit ? Father has often asked you." " Another lamb to your fold. Yes, I'll spend a Sunday with you. Go to church and look proper in your sister's eyes." The Captain laughed, but Mark did not join. He had forgotten Jerusha, and did not care that she should become acquainted with his friend.

The two men were a great contrast, as they stood, side by side, on deck — Dangerfield broad, heavy, and dark ; Gay slight and fair ; the one a somewhat evil-looking man of near forty, the other with a face naturally frank, of five and twenty ; the one resolute and strong, the other daring and undecided ; the one born to command the undisciplined mind, the other to obey, where obedience sided with inclination. Mark was, unfortunately, an only son, and had been much indulged, so that he generally allowed himself to be guided rather by his will than his conscience. Dangerfield was a mere speculator and smuggler, and had no conscience at all — at least, not perceptibly, for he stuck at nothing to gain his ends. " This night fortnight, then, at the ' Jolly Tars,' at Sandport," were the Captain's parting words, as he shook Mark's hand, when that young man was prepared to leave the vessel.

" All right ! " cried Mark, and leaped into the boat, which was nearly overturned by his impetuosity. The work was completed before the tide had ebbed too far to prevent both ship and boat from putting off to sea again. They did so, in spite of the increasing storm, and the Sea Serpent rode off as gaily as if she were immaculate, while the boat took to coasting around the shore in the direction of Sandport, the largest seaport town of the district. Mark and his men remained awhile in the cave to conceal the packages effectually, as well as to sample a particular bottle of French brandy, recommended to them by the Captain. Headstrong yet weak, Mark resisted a certain warning voice within, and drank a little more than his young head could bear ; so that when he, Levi, and Chivers began their perilous descent from the cave, he felt and kept his equilibrium with difficulty.

The men helped him, however, and they succeeded in reaching the beach, having carefully replaced the now black garb of the rocky path. Their lanterns glimmered fitfully as they scrambled along, for the night was too cloudy to allow them to proceed without them. Mark soon regained his natural powers, and the trio proceeded between the rocks and the ebbing tide until they reached a rough road, which led between the rocks and downs to a few fishermen's huts, one of which Chivers inhabited. " See to the goods," said Mark. "We shall get them off by degrees, now the tide is at full. Plenty of men ready to take them, and lots of purchasers." "Ay, Measter Mark," returned Chivers; "but 'tis risky work, all the same." " No risks, no winnings. Good-night, Chivers," said Mark. And he and Levi took the cliff road, while Chivers went to his home.

Chapter II. Jerusha And The Pedlar

BEACHTON Mill was a picturesque dwelling, at the foot of a range of hills, and not far from the sea. The stream that turned the great mill-wheel flowed down from the hills, and having done its work in helping to grind the corn grown in its vicinity, wandered peacably on until it fell into the sea at the fishing village of Beachton. Just above the mill this stream divided into two branches, so that it not only supplied the wheel at the back, but fed the flocks, and watered the pastures in the front. The back of the house was protected by a green slope from the sea, whilst its frontage faced the hills, downs, and fields amongst which it nestled. Here, beneath the stone porch, stood, on the evening after Mark's visit to the cave, his sister Jerusha. She was shading her eyes with her hand from the sun, and apparently surveying the fair scen^befor^ier^Sh^wa^^oung, good-B the "ourB that she I but I the men, I men known I and I such I them and I a brunette, I and I countenance.

I and I more I than gravity, I upotB XL* I'M looking to be called by Iichton beauty." was remarkably the farm people, and the fisherhe r from her believed there another girl be- London. She of middle height, laughter - loving Her sparkling dimpled mouth akin to mirth though she could ccasion. Indeed, e stood beneath the porch, and said half aloud, " I wish he would come home. He was so late again last night." The roses that covered the porch almost touched her smooth hair ; whilst a pleasant perfume floated about her from the pinks, wall-flowers, and lavender of her trim old fashioned garden. She looked, indeed, like a picture set in an ornamental frame ; for not only was the porch covered with trailing flowers, but the house was adorned by a vine, and the low wall that inclosed it by ivy.

She had scarcely uttered the words quoted when a pony dashed up to the wicket, and thrust his head over it She advanced to meet him, and he instantly thrust head and neck over the low wall that inclosed her garden. "What business have you here, Dandy? What will Miss Martha say ? " she asked, stroking his face. " Carrots is it ? You naughty vagabond ! You born beeo-ar i WhJ next, I wonder?" fas ' nat The pony nodded impatiently, and tossed his mane. She went into the house, and returned with a plate of carrots and apples in slices, which Dandy munched daintily, bit by bit, as she presented them. _ While they were thus engaged, a man, with a pack on his back, stood on the rustic bridge that crossed the stream at the bottom of the hilly slope, and looked at them. He then ascended the hill slowly, glancing from side to side as he walked, until he drew near the mill.

The pony, conscious of a stranger's approach, pricked his ears, made a naughty fling, and trotted to a distance. " I have got some beautiful silks, miss, if you'll con descend to look at 'em. Dirt cheap. Bought 'cm a bargain of a tradesman who unfortunately failed," said the pedlar, laying down his pack, and beginning to open it. " Pray come inside," said Jerusha, dazzled by the splendid colours unfolded to her view. She led the way through a passage into a room on the right, which served the purposes of best kitchen and hall. It looked out at the back, and hence could be seen all the carts and people that came on business to the mill. The great wheel itself was visible from the latticed window, and when it was at rest the sound of the sea came in, so that, as Jerusha said, " There was never a moment's quiet in that room."

It contained, as principal furniture, a large deal table, grown blossom-white by constant scrubbing, on which the pedlar laid his pack ; a handsome mahogany bureau, at which he looked as if envious of the bank-notes therein ; an eight-day clock, with Time wielding his scythe above the immemorial words, " Tempus fugit ;" and a large oaken dresser furnished with a stock of crockery-ware large enough to fill a moderate shop. Round about the bureau hung files of bills ; Scripture prints, in handsome frames, adorned the walls, and on the high chimney -piece, in front of the chimney-corner, stood brazen candlesticks, polished to look like gold. In these matters Jerusha took a commendable interest, as well as in all connected with the household of which she was mistress. Indeed, she threw her heart into everything she did.

As she was one who could never enjoy being alone, she ran into the passage, and called in a high, clear voice — " Tilly ! Tilly ! come here directly ! " Her summons was answered by a young woman in striped blue gown and apron, and large white cap, who stood a moment in the doorway, awestruck, exclaiming — " Laws, Miss Rushy, there be a zight ! " Tilly was, however, soon at her young mistress's side. She took care to cover her red arms and hands with her apron, lest she should be tempted to touch ; but responded to each inquiry as to which silk or ribbon she preferred, by the words " Thick 'un, and thick 'un," — proving that she had no choice when all was so grand. " But which do you like best ? " asked Jerusha, impera tively. " It bean't vor the likes o' I to determine," was the reply, in a voice as stolid as her face.

Although Tilly was endowed with a face round as a plum-pudding and red as a russet apple, as well as with strong sturdy limbs, she was of a desponding turn of mind, and usually saw the dark side of things, which was particularly aggravating to Rushy, to whom life was rose-colour. While the pedlar continued to recommend the silks, Tilly fixed her round blue eyes upon him, and, as she afterwards expressed it, " took agin 'un, because he never looked oone in the feace." " Only one pound, miss. You wouldn't get it for three at Sandport. The greatest bargain ever offered," urged the pedlar. " Say nineteen and sixpence, for the sake of your pretty face. Couldn't take less, upon my word and honour." " Then my face is only worth sixpence," laughed Rushy, surveying the fawn-coloured silk with a delicate pink stripe that her soul hankered after.

" Measter medn't like he," whispered Tilly into Rushy's ear, quite unconscious that whispering in company is ungenteel and invidious. The pedlar eyed her ominously, but sought to attract her attention by a bright scarlet ribbon, which he assured her was made on purpose for her complexion, and which he could offer dirt cheap. " Too grand vor the likes o' I," she said, gazing stolidly on the ribbon. While Jerusha was still undecided, Mark came in ; she turned towards him with animated delight, and did not perceive the significant glance he gave the pedlar. "I am so glad you are come, brother," she said ; "just in time too ; which of these lovely silks is prettiest ? " His choice fell instantly on one of gaudy pattern and bright colour. He was never given to much consideration, and what pleased him most at first sight was usually best.

Rushy's countenance fell. " That is very dear, and I cannot afford more than a pound. Besides, I don't like red in a gown," she said. " Think them over a bit, my pretty miss, while I show the young master some waistcoat pieces and handker chiefs," said the pedlar, winking at Mark. But Rushy had made up her mind, and was about to leave the room in search of a one-pound note, at that time in circulation, when her father entered the passage. He had been to Sandport on business, and, expecting to find his supper laid, was surprised to see the table covered with silks. But Rushy welcomed him gaily, and asked him to come in quickly and choose her a silk gown. Mr. Martin Gay was a portly man of middle age, as broad-shouldered and wide-chested as any of the millers on record, yet different from most of them in many respects.

His eyes were dark, and like his daughter's, but his face was rather serious than mirthful, and if it had ever been furnished with dimples, Time's scythe had mown them down. Still there was a twinkle in his eye, indicative of latent merriment ; not that he showed it on the present occasion, for he looked severely at the pedlar, who never theless began to recommend his goods. " Only nineteen and sixpence, and worth three pound, you say, Rushy ? " said Martin Gay. " That's too good a bargain to be honest. If I was to sell a sack o' flour at less than half price I should say 'twas a come-by-chance. Couldn't do it, my lass, and let our young queen have her dues. She's as young as you, Rushy. Thee 'ouldn't take from her revenues, eh, maid ? " " Oh no, father," cried Rushy, alarmed. " Then, sir, we won't trouble you to stay any longer," said the miller to the pedlar.

"To buy cheap and sell dear, is bad enough, but I misdoubt them as undersells everybody else just as much. Couldn't stand it myself, and our respectable tradesmen at Sandport couldn't stand it, and pay the taxes. You see, sir, I'm for ' rendering to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's,' so if you've no objection, we won't have any dealings on the present occasion." Before the miller had completed this speech Mark Gay had left the room. To Rushy's surprise the pedlar gathered up his silks without remonstrance, muttered " As you like, master," and hurried off. "Smuggled, my girl! Let's keep 'clean hands and a pure heart ' as long as we can," said the miller to his daughter. As soon as the pedlar was out of sight of the mill he was joined by Mark. " Let's try Miss Martha. She's sure to buy," said Mark, and they walked rapidly to a house which stood on an eminence at no great distance.

Miss Martha Hasluck, the lady alluded to, was standing in the porch of the said house, shouting lustily, at the top of her voice, the words — " Dandy, you villain, where are you off to ? To Rushy, I'll be bound!" and while Mark and the pedlar hurry towards her, we must describe her and her abode. The latter was called Beachton Villa, and was a low roofed, broad-faced, trellis-covered dwelling of some pre tension. Although more modern than the gabled mill, it was, in its way, scarcely less picturesque. Roses and various trailing plants crept over the front and porch to the thatched roof, and peeped in at the sashei windows. Its surroundings both of land and sea were very lovely. It was flanked on the right and protected at the back by hills, while on the left a musical brook babbled between ferny banks, and separated its smooth lawn from a large kitchen garden and an old farm-house, once the family residence, now — poor old hack — degraded by the casualty of long living to a carter's dwelling.

But if the villa was gay with the advantages of youth, the farm was sober in the richness of years. Its roof was warmed with many-hued mosses and lichens, its gray walls mellowed by the soft brush of Time. Still the youthful villa might be said to look down upon the ancient farm, as arrogant young people will occasionally do upon humble age. The former stood on a slight emin ence, the latter on the flat below, and both glanced up the green slope towards the mill, as if wishful, but unable to see it. Beyond and below them lay the fishing village of Beachton, whilst the mighty sea terminated, as it not unfrequently does, the scene. There was animation everywhere, for the farm folk and servants were always astir ; the geese seemed never to cease gabbling in the mill-stream that ran into the tiny bay; the "cattle on a thousand hills" wandered, lowed, and bleated continually ; and, before all, Miss Martha's voice sounded high, clear, and commanding from morning till night.

Miss Martha was the sort of lady you expected from her voice. She was well-nigh tall and large enough to fill her porch, and she boasted that no one could usurp it while she was in it. Her face was round, large, and rosy with health, resolution, and sometimes good temper — always good humour, since temper and humour are by no means synonymous. Large caps were the mode at that period of history, so her crop of brown curls was surmounted by a many-winged fabric of lace, muslin, and ribbon that Mercury might have envied. There was nothing either peculiar or eccentric in Miss Martha's dress, beyond a very large apron with voluminous pockets, which contained all the keys of the establishment, from the brass instrument that turned the cider-barrel to the small key of her large desk. Although teetotalism had not become a power in the land in her day, she was scrupulous in the matter of drink, and a drunken ploughman or retainer of any kind was sure of summary dismissal.

And it was remarkable that she had rarely to dismiss a servant ; for her people knew that if she was loud-tongued she was warm-hearted, and would see to them in sickness if they served her well in health. Besides, she knew by name every child and dog in the vicinity, and woe to those who maltreated either. Miss Martha continued to stand in her porch until the vagrant Dandy appeared trotting through the open gate, and up the gravel drive. Although conscious of wrong doing, he stood before Miss Martha, impudently nodding his head. " There's no keeping anything from that pert minx Rushy ! " she exclaimed. " All the men are after her, and one can't keep one's live stock at home. Do you suppose, Dandy, that I'm to be your porter whenever you choose to go out gallivanting ? There, get away with you, and don't look for carrots from me."