They walked back together to the corner of the street where Rachael lived, and as they drew nearer and nearer to it, silence crept upon them. When they came to the dark corner where their unfrequent meetings always ended, they stopped, still silent, as if both were afraid to speak.
‘ I shall strive t’ see thee agen, Rachael, afore I go, but if not—’
‘ Thou wilt not, Stephen, I know. ’Tis better that we make up our minds to be open wi’ one another.’
‘ Thou’rt awlus right. ’Tis bolder and better. I ha been thinkin then, Rachael, that as ’tis but a day or two that remains, ’twere better for thee, my dear, not t’ be seen wi’ me. ’T might bring thee into trouble, fur no good.’
‘’ Tis not for that, Stephen, that I mind. But thou know’st our old agreement. ’Tis for that.’
‘ Well,
