With the rise in his fortunes, Luke’s thoughts were directed to the accomplishment of his dearest hope, and he revealed his passion to his mother, consulting her on the propriety of the step he wished to take; which was simply to marry Lucy, and bring her to live in the cottage.  The old dame was not surprised at the proposal, for she expected it to be made from the day Luke’s wages were increased.  She had made up her mind what to advise, and did not shrink from advising it, although it would not be agreeable to her son.  ‘Luke,’ she said, ’you must still wait.  Your earnings are not sufficient to keep Lucy comfortably; and she, you know, would have to give up her place, which is now a good one.  So you would not only be injuring yourself, but her also.’

Luke fired up at this, and unkindly hinted that his mother did not wish to have a companion to share their home.  The old dame, though much hurt, denied that any such feeling swayed her, and advised him to consult Lucy herself.  Dame Damerel had that confidence in the girl’s good sense and prudence, that she was sure even Lucy would not consent to marry so soon as Luke wished.

In no very amiable mood the lover sought his mistress at the farmhouse.  He went into the kitchen, and not finding Lucy there, inquired of one of the maids where she was.  With a sly ominous expression the girl replied ’that Miss Lucy was in the best parlour making tea for master.’  This information gave poor Luke a sort of panic.  He trembled, turned pale, and hastily retreated from the house.  Discontented thoughts filled his mind.  ‘No doubt,’ he said almost aloud, as he walked homewards—­’no doubt she’ll not consent when I propose to marry her, though I can keep her.  Farmer Modbury will be a better match for her than a poor hard-working lad like me.  But I’ll see about that—­it shall be now or never.  If she won’t marry me in a week, she never shall!’ In truth, Luke had been feeling a pang of jealousy creep over him ever since Lucy was promoted to be Modbury’s housekeeper; and that she should be admitted alone with him into the best parlour to make his tea, confirmed what were previously only suspicions.  On entering the cottage, his wild looks almost frightened his mother; but he was silent as to the cause, and went sullenly to bed.

Farmer Modbury kept up the good old Devonshire custom of dining with all the people in his employment; and the day after, when Luke with the rest of his companions sat at the table, he watched the actions and countenances of Lucy and her master, to catch new causes for the tormenting feeling which possessed him.  The meal concluded, he followed the girl to the dairy, as was his custom; for a short and sweet interview could always be snatched at that time.  The present one was, however, the reverse.  In a hard tone of voice, and with an abrupt manner, Luke inquired if she were ready to have him?  The girl frankly answered, ’Of course I am, Luke; but what should make you ask the question on such a sudden!’