The Ruffler's Child Quotes

“In an instant, the female gyrfalcon had launched itself free of Sir Robert’s hand and soared high above the heads of the startled group. As they watched with a mixture of anxiety and admiration, it sped after the pheasant, overtook it, turned about, stooped swiftly through the air and caught it at full tilt. There was a wild fluttering and a shower of feathers, and the luckless game-bird dropped like a stone.”
― John Pilkington, The Ruffler's Child

“Once again, he walked into Jane Bull’s warm kitchen, to looks of surprise and some of suspicion, and sat down without a word. When he fell asleep at the table with his head resting on his arms, nobody disturbed him. He was still there in the early morning, when a scullery maid stumbled in sleepily to rekindle the fire.”
― John Pilkington, The Ruffler's Child

“Thomas stepped out first and extended a hand to help Lady Margaret ashore. As she climbed on to the step, she held out a shilling to the waterman. ‘That’s for your pains - and my pleasure.’ The man took the coin, grinned broadly and doffed his hat. ‘I’ll drink to your health tonight, my lady,’ he called, and pushed expertly off into the stream.”
― John Pilkington, The Ruffler's Child