16 Turnaside Cottage.

 

“ She’ll soon come to know your ways; and I'll tell
you what, until you get straight with her, I’ll come
and help you a bit.”

“You can drive real well,” said I, admiringly.

“Yes, I can do most things if I’ve a mind to,”
returned Tommy, unabashed. “ There, go you on
and open your gate, lad.” And before I could thank
him, Tommy had disappeared.

My father was at home, and he came out to tie
up Monna with a well-satisfied look. “That's right,
Reuben, my boy,” he said. “We'll make a man of
you yet, Pll warrant. How has she behaved ?”

Full of proud importance, I gave an account of
the day’s adventures ; but, alas! I was so pleased
with my father’s unaccustomed praise, that I left out
all mention of Tommy’s share in the home-driving.
My conscience, such as I had at the time, which
was not much, smote me for this as unfair towards
Tommy, and as we sat at tea, I made up my mind
to tell of it if my father should speak to me again.
But he did not, and I was so completely tired out
that, as soon as tea was over, I was glad enough to
creep to bed.

It was with a touch of remorse, therefore, that I
greeted Tommy’s round face on the following
evening.

“Tommy,” said I, “ you are a real good one.”