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

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
[104]
the insignificant prettiness of Bertha Gifford when her daughter was near. However, all
was no doubt as' it should be; Rachel was right, it seemed, and Mrs. Charnock tried to
think she was very glad.
Yet, if she had but known it, the expression which vexed her on Simon's face was in
reality called forth not by Bertha, but by Rachel; for it chanced that this new-found
kinswoman of Yeoman Fleetwood's was dilating to him on the admirable manner in
which her friend Miss Charnock had set to work to end the estrangement between them.
"I cannot tell you. Cousin Fleetwood," she said, “how much I love that girl. She is so
generous, so simple-minded, and she has so much strength of character. Was it not good
of her to be anxious to make peace between us? For naturally our family differences can
be no concern of hers. But as she says, cousins should be good friends — I trust that
you agree with her, for I myself detest to be at enmity with any one."
"Indeed," returned Simon, "it would be hard for any one to be at enmity with you." His
smile was all for her this time, and, if less tender, was full of kindness. Pretty Bertha
blushed more than ever, and feeling a little confused reverted to the former topic with
even more animation than she had previously displayed. Little did she know how wise
she was in her choice of a subject: while she spoke of Rachel the yeoman was
constrained to remain by her side. It was not until she began to apologise for her
brother's absence and to request Simon, with gentle insistence, to send away his horse,
and to await Mr. Gifford's return, that he was recalled to himself.
"Unfortunately, I cannot stay," he said, a little coldly, "I have already kept you standing
too long. Pray, forgive me"
[105]
He stretched out his hand, and poor little Bertha hesitatingly took it. "But will you not at
least come in for some refreshment?" she said, almost piteously. "I feel sure Mrs.
Charnock would wish—"
“We farmers dine early, you know," replied Simon. "It must be close upon the time
now. No, thank you, I will not intrude upon Mrs. Charnock. I must say good-bye. Pray,
express to your brother my regret at not finding him at home."