berries.
Then what a high wall at one end, flanked by a summer-house so lofty,
that after ascending its long flight of steps you could see perfectly
well there was no view worth looking at; what alcoves and garden-seats in
all directions; and along one side, what a hedge, tall, and firm, and
unbroken, like a green wall!

It was near this hedge that Mr. Jerome was standing when Sally found him.
He had set down the basket of strawberries on the gravel, and had lifted
up little Lizzie in his arms to look at a bird's nest. Lizzie peeped, and
then looked at her grandpa with round blue eyes, and then peeped again.

'D'ye see it, Lizzie?' he whispered.

'Yes,' she whispered in return, putting her lips very near grandpa's
face. At this moment Sally appeared.

'Eh, eh, Sally, what's the matter? Is Mr. Tryan come?'

'No, sir, an' Missis says she's sure he won't come now, an' she wants you
to come in an' hev tea. Dear heart, Miss Lizzie, you've stained your
pinafore, an' I shouldn't wonder if it's gone through to your frock.
There'll be fine work! Come alonk wi' me, do.'

'Nay, nay, nay, we've done no harm, we've done no harm, hev we, Lizzie?
The wash-tub'll make all right again.'

Sally, regarding the wash-tub from a different point of view, looked
sourly serious, and hurried away with Lizzie, who trotted submissively
along, her little head in eclipse under a large nankin bonnet, while Mr.
Jerome followed leisurely with his full broad shoulders in rather a
stooping posture, and his large good-natured features and white locks
shaded by a broad-brimmed hat.

'Mr. Jerome, I wonder at you,' said Mrs. Jerome, in a tone of indignant
remonstrance, evidently sustained by a deep sense of injury, as her
husband opened the parlour door. 'When will you leave off invitin' people
to meals an' not lettin' 'em know the time? I'll answer for't, you niver
said a word to Mr. Tryan as we should take tea at five o'clock. It's just
like you!'

'Nay, nay, Susan,' answered the husband in a soothing tone, 'there's
nothin' amiss. I told Mr. Tryan as we took tea at five punctial; mayhap
summat's a detainin' on him. He's a deal to do, an' to think on,
remember.'

'Why, it's struck six i' the kitchen a'ready. It's nonsense to look for
him comin' now. So you may's well ring for th' urn. Now Sally's got th'
heater in the fire, we may's well hev th' urn in, though he doesn't come.
I niver see'd the like o' you, Mr. Jerome, for axin' people an' givin