64 The Brothers.

 

“What can he want to say?” thought Ste-
phen, who did not forget so easily. He
walked on slowly, for he did not care about
getting home now; but he reached the gate
and went in before John came in sight.

“Good morning, Mrs. Hardy,” he said to
the neat, quick old lady who was getting
dinner ready. “Is aunt gone?”

“Yes, my dear, that she is; I saw her off
myself. And she was sorry to go and leave
you, and the chickens and the cows were very
much on her mind. But I promised her to
do my best for you all. I’ve had a large
farm, and family too, of my own in my day.
Where’s Johnnie ?”

“He’s coming,” said Stephen, as he went
upstairs. “ Begin again,” he thought to him-
self, remembering his aunt’s words. “ This is
another beginning with Mrs. Hardy. We
must try and begin well.”

His thoughts were interrupted by Johnnie,
who rushed upstairs laughing and rosy.

“Well, Stephen, so you got home first !”

“What did you want to say to Ned Rice?”

“Gunpowder treason and plot,” returned
the other, laughing. “Ah, Stephen! wouldn’t
you like to know?”

It was evident he was not going to be