THREE:
THREE:
THREE:Reuben was paralysed with horror. In another minute they would break down his hedgea good young hedge that had cost him a pretty pennyand be all over his roots. For a moment he stood as if fixed to the spot, then suddenly he pulled himself together. At all costs he must save his roots. He could not tackle the women single-handed, so he must go for the madman.Soon the rumour spread round Peasmarsh that Backfield was going to buy some more land. Reuben himself had started it.
THREE:"I hear you had some sleep this afternoon."
THREE:It was wonderful how soon he adapted himself to his new conditions. At first he missed Rose, but by the time he had got rid of her clothes and swept the perfume of her out of his room, he had ceased to hunger. He never heard of her againhe never knew what life she led in the new land, whether the reality of love brought her as much happiness as the game, or whether her old[Pg 332] taste for luxury and pleasure reasserted itself and ruined both love and lover."Pete!" he cried chokingly"I won't die!I won't die!"
THREE:"I never said as I'd do her work.""Yes, instantly. You shall know the business in less than half an hour."
THREE:"But not now!" cried Caro.
THREE:
THREE:"Oh, Stephen, do not leave me!" exclaimed Margaret. "Oh! for mercy's sake, leave me not alone with my dead child!"Chapter 9