Chapter 34

‘“Ifting” and “anding” all the while, and too highful to hunger after ought, with yer leave and by yer leave, in and out like hares through a muse.’ ‘Well, my dear,’ said his mother, ‘and what ’ud _you_ ha’ done?’ Robert laughed. ‘It dunna matter what cowman-shepherd does, Mother.’ ‘Well, but what d’you think they ought to ha’ done?’ ‘Let ’em each give the lady a good smacking kiss, arms round and no time to think of plush coats and lords. And the one she misliked the kiss of, let that one give her up.’ ‘What? If s…