Chapter 39

This came so near the truth that Gillian was on her dignity in a moment. She was angry, not with Elmer but with Robert. ‘I’m not a chyild, Mr. Elmer.’ ‘What are you, then?’ ‘A grown-up lady.’ Elmer laughed. ‘Shall I tell you what I think you are?’ ‘I dunna mind if you do.’ ‘A little devil.’ ‘Oh, Mr. Elmer!’ ‘She’s a lot prettier than her father said,’ thought Elmer. ‘Bit o’ colour! I should say so! Waist! About eighteen inches, it looks. My two hands ud go round it.’ He held his hands out. ‘Would they go round, Mis…