Chapter 51

They pulled up and had some refreshment, served by an ancient dame in a white cap and check apron and fringed shawl, who smiled at everything they said and murmured: ‘You’re welcome! You’re welcome!’ but all the while gazed at them gravely over her spectacles, as if she were reserving her judgment. As if, thought Gillian, she was made up of two people, one merry and one strict, and they never agreed. Elmer had a striped blue and white mug of frothing ale, and they continued on their way in company with other gigs a…