e him over a hedge, saying:

"You have done right to take the cool of the morning; and you and the
little gentleman there, I dare say, are ready for your breakfasts. Go
on, Mr. Fairchild, and I will be with you before you get to the house."

Mr. Fairchild and Henry crossed the fold-yard, and coming into the
yard, which was surrounded by a low wall, with a paling at the top of
it, they saw Mrs. Burke standing on the kitchen steps, and feeding an
immense quantity of poultry of all sorts and kinds. She called to
welcome her visitors; but though she spoke in a high key, it was
impossible to hear a word she said for the noise made by the geese,
ducks, hens, turkeys, and guinea-fowl--all crowding forward for their
food. Besides which, there was a huge dog, chained to a kennel, which
set up a tremendous barking; and, before he could be stopped, was
joined by other dogs of divers sorts and sizes, which came running into
the yard, setting up their throats all in different keys. They did not,
however, attempt to do more than bark and yelp at Henry and his father.

"Come in, come in, Mr. Fairchild," said Mrs. Burke, when they could get
near to her through the crowd of living things; "come in, the tea is
brewing; and you must be very thirsty." And she took up an end of her
white apron and wiped her brow, remarking that it was wonderful fine
weather for the corn.

Mr. Fairchild and Henry followed Mrs. Burke through an immense kitchen
into a parlour beyond, which was nothing in size compared to the
kitchen; and there was a long table set out for breakfast.

The table was covered with good things; a large pasty, which had been
cut; a ham, from which many a good slice had already been taken; a pot
of jam, another of honey; brown and white loaves; cream and butter and
fruit; and the tea, too, was brewing, and smelt deliciously.

Mr. Burke followed them in almost immediately, and shook Mr. Fairchild
by the hand; complimenting Henry by laying his large rough hand on his
head, and saying:

"You are ready for your breakfast, I doubt not, little master;" adding,
"Come, mistress, tap your barrel. But where are the youngsters?" He had
hardly spoken, when a tall girl, very smartly dressed, though with her
hair in papers, looked in at the door, and ran off again when she saw
Mr. Fairchild.

Her father called after her:

"Judy, I say, why don't you come in?" But Miss Judy was gone to take
the papers out of her hair.

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