THE SILVER FOX 173 



" I want to tell you that I don't deserve 

 this kindness from you, and I'm truly sorry 

 for all that has happened about the hounds. 

 It won't happen any more. Will you — 

 will you accept my regret for anything I 

 have done to annoy you, and my sympathy 

 about your brother ? I didn't understand 



how things were " 



"Oh, God help ye!" broke out Maria, 

 *^what does the likes o' ye undherstand 

 about the likes of us ? It wasn't wanting 

 to desthroy us ye were, I know that well — 

 and faith ! I think ye have nature that'd 

 make ye sorry if ye seen my brother this 

 day where he's lying beyond. I know well 

 the one that have no pity; maybe he'll be 

 in the want of it yet." She took Lady 

 Susan by the sleeve, staring at her as if 

 taking in her good looks. " Mind yerself ! '' 

 she said in a whisper; "that fella would 

 throw ye on the roadside whin he'd be tired 

 o' ye. Don't be makin' little o' yerself with 

 the likes o' him — you that has a good 

 husband and nothin' to throuble ye. I can 



