‘What vexes me most,’ I began, ‘is staying in the house in such
weather.’
‘Take a walk in the garden; or go into the copse. We’ve a copse here
beyond the threshing-floor. Are you fond of fishing?’
‘Are there fish here?’
‘Yes, in the pond. Loaches, sand-eels, and perches are caught there.
Now, to be sure, the best time is over; July’s here. But anyway, you
might try.... Shall I get the tackle ready?’
‘Yes, do please.’
‘I’ll send a boy with you ... to put on the worms. Or maybe I ‘d better
come myself?’ Narkiz obviously doubted whether I knew how to set about
things properly by myself.
‘Come, please, come along.’
Narkiz, without a word, grinned from ear to ear, then suddenly knitted
his brows ... and went out of the room.