62 The Brothers.

 

“And that’s what I’ve been wondering
about all the morning,” said Johnnie, laugh-
ing; “and Mr. Willis saw it. I do believe he
sees one’s thoughts.”

Stephen said he hoped not, and then they
had a race home—a race which Johnnie won
of course, but as he was kind enough to wait
for his brother at the garden gate, that did
not much matter.

Mrs. Baynes, who was putting dinner on
the table, looked up smiling as they ran in.

“Have you settled what you are going to
do, aunt?” cried Johnnie, while Stephen only
looked the question.

“Yes, my dear; I think I ought to go as
soon as possible. So I shall try and get off
to-morrow morning as soon as I have finished
churning; and Mrs. Hardy has kindly pro-
mised to come here and look after you and
the rest of my goods.”

“T thought you would,” said Johnnie rather
sorrowfully.

“Well, I hope it will not be for long, and
you must try how good you can be, and how
much you can help Mrs. Hardy. But now
come and have your dinner.”

Stephen looked more disconsolate titan
Johnnie even, and all the afternoon and