s a Christian, was he? Well, if so, she didn't
make much 'count o' Christians, for all he was a parson. Didn't he tell
old John he couldn't recommend him for the dole, just by reason he
rapped out an oath or two when his grand-daughter let the milk-jug
fall?--and if old Bet Donnerthwaite had had a sup too much one night at
the ale-house, was it for a gentleman born like the parson to take note
of that?

"But he has done worse things than that, Cary," said Ephraim, with grave
mouth and laughing eyes.

"What? Go on," said I, for I saw something funny was coming.

"Why, would you believe it?" said Ephraim. "He called on Mr Bagnall,
and asked him if he felt satisfied with the pattern he was setting his
flock."

"I am very glad he did!" said I. "What did Mr Bagnall say?"

"Got into an awful rage, and told it to all the neighbourhood--as
bearing against Mr Liversedge, you understand."

"Well, then, he is a greater simpleton than I took him for," said I.

"I am rather afraid," said Ephraim, in a hesitating tone, "that he will
call at the Fells: and if he say anything that the Squire thinks
impertinent or interfering, he will make an enemy of him."

"Oh, Father would just show him the door," said I, "without more ado."

"Yes, I fear so," replied Ephraim. "And I am sure he is a good man,
Cary. A little rash and incautious, perhaps; does not take time to
study character, and so forth; but I am sure he means to do right."

"It will be a pity," said I. "Ephraim, do you think the Prince will
march on London?"

"I have not a doubt of it, Cary."

"Oh!" said I. I don't quite know whether I felt more glad or sorry.
"But you will not stay here if he do?"

"Yes, I think I shall," said he.

"You will join the army?"

"No, not unless I am pressed."

I suppose my face asked another question, for he added with a smile, "I
came to keep watch of--that. I must see that it is not spoiled."

I wonder what _that_ is! If Ephraim would tell me, I might take some
care of it too. I should not like anything he cared for to be spoiled.

As I sat in a corner afterwards, I was looking at him, and comparing him
in my own mind with all the fine gentlemen in the chamber. Ephraim was
quite as handsome as any of them; but his clothes certainly had a
country cut, and he did not show as easy manners as they. I am afraid
Grandmamma would say he had no manners. He actually put his hand out to
save a tray when Grandmamma's black