The January twilight deepened, and soon Reuben's blue shirt was all that was clear in the hollow. The bites of the axe cracked out on the still airand suddenly with a soft swish of boughs the tree fell."No, he's quite the young gorilla. Now I must be off, Tilly. I'll write to you."
ONE:The stranger was now privileged to remain, and a week's rest and good cheer considerably improved his appearance. He did not presume, however, to approach the part of the castle inhabited by the owners; but never did the young Roland enter the court-yard, or walk abroad, but the silent homage of the grateful stranger greeted him.
ONE:"What do you mean by 'not now'?""It's lateII must go home."
TWO:"Oh, he said mine was the best gift that had been brought yet. But come, mother, it is time we were at home."She was leaning against the wall, if he had released her she could not have run away. She was like a rabbit, paralysed with fear.
TWO:At last matters reached a climax. It was late in March; Albert was much worse, and even the doctor looked solemn. "He won't last till the summer," he[Pg 367] said in answer to one of Pete's questions, and unluckily the sick man heard him.It was odd that his parents did not care. Now he came to think of it, they did not seem to care about anything very much, except Harry. It never struck him to think it was odd that he should care when they did not.
THREE:Naomi heard him tramp off, talking of "goldings" and "fuggles." She lay very still, hoping that the light would soon go, and give rest to her tired eyesbut she was too utterly weary to ask Mrs. Backfield to draw the curtains. Her mother-in-law put the baby back in its cradle, then sat down at the foot of the bed, folding her arms over her breast. She was tired after her labours in the house and in the sick-room, and soon she began to doze. Naomi felt more utterly alone than before."My f?ather will kill me, surelye."
