The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
owd Susan as thought the world o' thee —ever since thou wast a little lad. Eh, and I do
still. I’m getting past work, thou knows, but I allus said I’d stop and see thy first child
christened. Didn't I now? Thou should na’ mak' a stranger of poor owd Susan."
Simon raised his head, and taking hold of the hand
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which rested on his shoulder pressed it warmly. "You’ve a faithful old soul,” he said. “I
am glad to think there is one creature in the world who loves me. Do not talk of being
past work — there's many a year's work in you yet, old woman — you must stay with
me until you die; but I fear me, Susan, you will never see the christening of any child of
mine. Now go to bed, there's a good soul," he added, releasing her hand; "I want nothing
more."
"Munnot I coom in a two-three minutes to clear away?" inquired Susan, much mystified
and entirely overcome.
“No, no, it is too late; you can leave the tray here until to-morrow. Now, good-night,
Susan, if you love me ask me no more questions."
The old woman withdrew very reluctantly, sniffing as she went, and wiping her eyes
with the back of her hand, the usually available apron corner being absent on this
occasion. In spite of her master's injunctions she stood for a little while outside the door,
straining her ears in the vain hope of ascertaining whether or no he was plying his knife
and fork. But all was silent within, and presently, with a deep sigh, she went slowly
creaking up the stairs, sobbing under her breath.
Simon, indeed, had taken no heed of the inviting appearance of the little tray; his eyes
were sufficiently open to his surroundings to note their desolation, but his mind and
heart were occupied with other visions, with conflicting memories, some full of almost
unbearable sweetness, some bitter and poignant.
The tones of Rachel's voice seemed to float about him, now arch, now tender, now
sweetly penitent-anon stinging and fierce. Again he saw her standing by the hearth, as
he had seen her on that first memorable evening, a phantom of delight in her
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