think that I had done
nothing to win people's liking, and that I must be a very unpleasant,
disagreeable kind of lad, since, with the exception of Mrs Dodley and
the cat, nobody seemed to care whether I went away or stayed.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

A COLD START IN A NEW LIFE.

Brother Solomon loitered about the garden with Old Brownsmith, and it
was not until we had had an early tea that I had to fetch down my little
box to put in the cart, which was standing in the yard with Shock
holding the horse, and teasing it by thrusting a barley straw in its
nostrils and ears.

As I came down with the box, Mrs Dodley said "Good-bye" very warmly and
wetly on my face, giving as she said:

"Mind you send me all your stockings and shirts and I'll always put them
right for you, my dear, and Goodbye."

She hurried away, and as soon as my box was in the cart I ran down the
garden to say "Good-bye" to Ike; but he had gone home, so I was told,
and I came back disappointed.

"Good-bye, Shock!" I said, holding out my hand; but he did not take it,
only stared at me stolidly, just as if he hated me and was glad I was
going; and this nettled me so that I did not mind his sulkiness, and
drawing myself up, I tried hard to smile and look as if I didn't care a
bit.

Brother Solomon came slowly towards the cart, rolling the stalk of a
rosebud in his mouth, and as he took the reins he said to one of the
chimneys at the top of the house:

"If I was you, Ez, I'd plant a good big bit with that winter lettuce.
You'll find 'em go off well."

I knew now that he was talking to his brother, but he certainly seemed
to be addressing himself to the chimney-pot.

"I will, Sol, a whole rood of 'em," said Old Brownsmith, "and thank ye
for the advice."

"Quite welkim," said Brother Solomon to the horse's ears. "Jump up."

He seemed to say this to Shock, who stared at him, wrinkled up his face,
and shook his head.

"Yes, jump up, Grant, my lad," said Old Brownsmith. "Fine evening for
your drive."

"Yes, sir," I said, "good-bye; and say good-bye to Ike for me, will you,
please?"

"Yes, to be sure, good-bye; God bless you, lad; and do your best."

And I was so firm and hard just before, thinking no one cared for me,
that I was ready to smile as I went away.

That "God bless you!" did it, and that firm pressure of the hand. He
did like me, then, and was sorry I was going; and though I tried to
speak, not a word would come. I could only pinc