Willie's Plans bear Fruit, 209

 

have been much longer in making them any return,
when Mr Shepherd, who had become acquainted
with their plans, and consequently with their
difficulties, offered to join them with the little he
had laid aside for a rainy day—which proved just
sufficient to complete the sum necessary, Between
the three the thing was effected, and Mr Yellowley
was their first visitor.

I am sorry to say he grumbled a good deal at
first at the proximity of the cobbler, and at having
to meet him in his walks about the garden; but
this was a point on which Mr MacMichael, who of
course took the old man’s complaints good-humour-
edly, would not budge, and he had ‘to reconcile
himself to itas he best might. Nor was it very diffi-
cult after he found he must. Before long they
became excellent friends, for if you will only give
time and opportunity, in an ordinarily good man
nature will overcome in the end. Mr Yellowley
was at heart good-natured, and the cobbler was
well worth knowing. Before the former left, the
two were often to be seen pacing the garden
together, and talking happily.

It is quite unnecessary to recount all the grada-
tions of growth by which room after room arose
from the ruins of the Priory. When Mr Yellowley
went away, after nearly six months’ sojourn, during
the latter part of which, so wonderfully was he
restored by the air and the water and the medical