She seems to cling to it,” he said. “Yes. It was through the kindness of the Squire’s wife that the cottage was given to her. Mrs. Veycourt was seemingly a very gracious lady, and there are numerous instances of her kindness to be found in and around the village.” “Her memory is very precious to Widow Charlton,” Travayne said quietly. “I’d feel much better about Mrs. Charlton if she had someone to live with her, all the same,” Ruth said. “She always seems so alone to me.” “She wasn’t alone to-day,” Travayne said almost absently. “There was a woman called Harrup with her.” Ruth frowned. “I wonder what Martha Harrup was doing down there,” she said. “It won’t be out of pity or a desire to help, I’m afraid.” “Probably out of curiosity!” “Well, whatever it is, I’d sooner Mrs. Charlton had anyone than Martha,” Ruth declared. Travayne rose to help her over the stile and they set off to walk across the moors. “So would I,” he acknowledged.
