louds and thorns before him. Not
that he wavered in his purpose for a moment, or had the least thought of
holding back from the work he had set his hand to, even for a time. But
his father's harshness and manifestly abiding displeasure towards
himself he found very hard to bear. Nevertheless he was comforted by
the reiterated affirmations of Harry that things were coming nicely
round.

"Take my word for it," said the shrewd old man; "I knows the old master
and his ways better than you do, Master Amos, though you're his son and
I ain't. But I've knowed him years longer than you have. Now he's
displeased with you; but I'll tell you who he's more displeased with,
and that's just his own self. I don't mean no disrespect to your
father, Master Amos--he's as kind-hearted a gentleman and as good a
master as ever was, only a bit hasty sometimes; but then, which on us
ain't got faults of our own enough and to spare? But I'm sure of this,
he has never been fairly satisfied with keeping the door shut agen dear
Miss Julia as was, and he won't _be_ satisfied, depend on it, till she's
back again--I know it. You see, though there was a reg'lar flare up
when I spoke up for you the other night, he has never said a word of
blame to me on the subject; and for why? I'll tell you--it's just
because he knows and feels down in his heart of hearts as I were _not_
to blame. But he must be angry with somebody--'taint pleasant to be
angry with one's own self; he's never been used to be angry with Master
Walter; 'tain't no use being angry with Miss Huntingdon, 'cos she'd look
the fiercest man as ever lived into a good temper--the mere sight of her
face is enough for that, let alone her words. So master's just showing
his anger to you, Master Amos. But it won't last; it can't last. So
you just stick to your work, and I'll back you up all in my power, and
I'll keep my tongue inside my teeth for the future, if I possibly can."

As for Walter, he felt thoroughly ashamed of himself, and tried in many
ways to make up to his brother for his past unkindness, by various
little loving attentions, and by carefully abstaining from taunting and
ungracious speeches. This was very cheering to the heart of Amos, and
lightened his trial exceedingly; but he felt that he could not yet take
Walter fully into his confidence, nor expect him to join with him in a
pursuit which would involve much quiet perseverance and habitual self-
denial. For how were