Going to Church. 47

I hastily made my bow and escaped, followed by
another warning from the Squire about going to
school. I made up my mind as I went home that
nothing, not even my lady, should tempt me to go
near the big house again.

“Reuben,” said Miss Churchill to me not many
days afterwards, “ Mr. Prickard has been speaking
to me again about your going to school, and I really
think it would be a good thing. Now, I am going
away next week for a few days, and as Monna’s
new-born calf will keep her at home for a day or
two, do you not think that you could be spared for
that one week, by way of a trial? And then, if
you are a good boy and get on well, perhaps some
arrangement might be made for you to continue.”

“Oh, please, please not to make me go, Miss !”
Icried. “I couldn’t be spared—Id a deal sooner
not!” Indeed, I was filled with dismay at the
thought. What, must I go and run my head, as it
were, into the very stronghold and domain of those
boys whom I had so carefully avoided all my life,
and the sight of whom in the distance had cost
Monna and me so many a weary round, lest I
should be pursued by their dreaded greetings of
“Ah, ha! Miss Benny, how do you find yourself?”
“Rather rough weather for you to be out in. Shall
I lend you an umbrella, my dear?” “Take care o’