They kept side by side on the grass while Mike walked soberly ahead. Flo looked up the lake again to the grey hills of the valley end.
“You’ll soon ’a bin six months,” said Mr. Nadin, as if he had read her thoughts. “Your togs’ll be paid for, an’ you’ll be gettin’ your own brass. I’ll see Missis about lettin’ you have a few days home.”
“Would you?” said Flo, scarcely believing.
“Ay, you’ve worked well. You’ve non ’ad much; happen we might pay some of your fare. But dunna tek it from me,” he added with a hint of haste, “it’ll all depend on Missis.”
“Oh,” said Flo, unable to say anything else. She looked away. The lake was blurred because of her eyes, and the grey hills were blurred. She wondered how far off Barrow was beyond them.