It was Sally Trevennick, who faced the spiteful laughter without flinching
and said a few loud, friendly words, though indeed her well-meant support
brought scant comfort with it for the victim.
"Lard sakes! Joan, doan't 'e take on so at them buzzin' fools! 'Tedn' the
trouble, 'tis the money make 'em clatter! Bah! Wheer's the wan of them
black-browed gals as 'alf the money wouldn' buy? You keep a bold faace, an'
doan't let 'em see as their sniggerin's aught more to 'e than dog-barking."
"Us'll be theer in a minute," added Mr. Chirgwin, "an' I'll drive back agin
by Mouzle; then you'll 'scape they she-cats. I never thot as you'd a got to
stand that dressin' down in a plaace what's knawed you an' yours these many
years."
Joan asked Sally Trevennick whether she could say if Gray Michael was on
the water, and she felt very genuine thankfulness on learning that Sally
believed so. Two minutes later the spring-cart reached level ground above
the sea, then, whipping up his horse, Uncle Chirgwin increased the pace,
and very quickly Joan found herself at the door of home.
Thomasin was within, and, hearing the sound of wheels cease before the
cottage, came forth to learn who had arrived. Her surprise was only equaled
by her alarm at sight of Joan and Mr. Chirgwin. So frightened indeed did
she appear that both the newcomers supposed Mr. Tregenza must be within.
Such, however, was not the case, and Joan's stepmother explained the nature
of her fears.
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