ad about blind Janet, who, under his
guidance, when she was well, would venture in all directions without the
slightest fear of a mishap. Every one in the neighbourhood knew her and
her dog, and even the roughest characters treated her with courtesy. Of
late her walks had been greatly curtailed, for the last few days
Faithful's office had become a sinecure, though he still remained at his
post, ready to perform his duty if required. He was a handsome spaniel,
and had been brought up from a puppy by Dick, who had thoroughly broken
him in. Though fond of scampering across the fields and poking his nose
into every hole he could find in the hedges and ditches, he became as
sedate as a judge the moment Janet called him and fastened the ribbon by
which she was led to his collar. Dick was naturally very fond of his
dog, but had become still more so since the animal had shown how useful
it could make itself to poor Janet.

Faithful, who had long been on the watch, when he heard his master's
footsteps, with a bark of welcome leaped over the palings, and came
frolicking and leaping round him, licking his hands to show his joy, and
together they entered the house.

Mrs Hargrave, a comely, pleasant-looking dame, was seated busily
stitching by the side of the table. "What has kept you so late, Dick?"
she asked in an anxious tone. "Your father has gone to bed, as he must
be up betimes. We thought that you had got into some mischief; but I am
thankful to see you back, my son."

Dick explained what he had been about, and exhibited the fish he had
brought. "And how is Janet this evening?" he asked. "I thought that I
should have been back in time for her to have one for supper, but
they'll do for her breakfast or her dinner to-morrow."

"She's asleep, sweet dear! though I'm afraid she's no better. The
Lord's will be done, if He thinks fit to take her; and then, Dick, I
want you to remember that you will be your father's chief hope and stay
in his trouble. Whether or not we shall have to turn out of our home,
and seek for another farm, is more than I can say. Your father doesn't
wish to displease the marquis, but he thinks that it is his right to
remain where he is, and that he would not be acting like an Englishman
to give up that right."

"Of course he would not," exclaimed Dick. "Ben Rudall says he would not
knock under to the marquis or any other lord, and he would hold on fast
with tooth and nail."

"I don't want