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Updated: May 14, 2025
When he reached Danesford, he found it a very quiet, sleepy little village, with a gleaming river flowing through it placidly, and such respectable houses and small clean cottages as put to shame the dwellings at Botfield. So early was it yet, that the village children were only just going to school; and the biggest boy turned back with Stephen to the gate of the Rectory.
The opportunity for going to Danesford was not long in coming, for Black Thompson and Cole, who were the chief colliers in the pit, chose to take a 'play-day' with the rest of their comrades; and the boys and girls employed at the works were obliged to play also, though it involved the forfeiture of their day's wages always a serious loss to Stephen.
Moreover, Miss Anne was waiting to greet him kindly. 'Stephen, she said, 'Martha has found the three notes in your grandfather's pocket all safe. You had better take them with you to the clergyman at Danesford, and do what he advises you with them.
Stephen answered her only with a low, half-suppressed groan; and then he sat speechless and motionless, as if his despair had completely paralyzed him. 'Listen, Stephen, she continued, with energy: 'you told me once that the clergyman at Danesford has some paper belonging to you, about the cottage. You must go to him, and tell him frankly your whole story.
'I am Danesford, of Danesford, he said gaily; 'and I believe you are Stephen Fern, of Fern's Hollow. I've brought you a message, my boy. Can you guess what young lady has sent me over the hills after you? 'Miss Anne, answered Stephen promptly. 'No; there are other young ladies in the world beside Miss Anne! replied Mr. Danesford. 'Have you forgotten Miss Lockwood?
Wyley is too ill to see me. By the way, I told Miss Anne I was coming up the hills after you. She wants to see you, Stephen, as soon as possible after your work is done. Mr. Danesford rode on over the hills, and Stephen walked some way beside him, to put him into the nearest path for Danesford.
Are you willing, Martha? 'Oh yes, sir! said Martha, with a look of admiration at young Mrs. Danesford. 'In this case, Stephen, Mr. Lockwood went on, 'you will have a yearly income of £20, and we would like to hear what you will do with it? 'There's grandfather, said Stephen diffidently. 'Right, my boy! cried Mr.
Lockwood; 'I remember christening you, and giving you my own name, thirteen or fourteen years since, isn't it? Your mother had been my faithful servant for several years; and she brought you all across the hills to Danesford to be christened. Is she well my good Sarah Moore? 'Mother died four years ago, sir, murmured Stephen, unable to say any more. 'Poor boy! said the young lady on the sofa.
How the master could remove the new house and restore the old hut was a question of some perplexity to him; but his confidence in the parson at Danesford was so perfect, that he did not doubt for a moment that he could call Fern's Hollow his own again next spring.
Danesford gravely; 'I know how hardly you have been dealt with, my boy. Tell me truly, is your religion strong enough to enable you to forgive Mr. Wyley indeed? Is it possible that you can forgive him from your heart? Stephen was silent, looking down at the heath upon which his feet were pressed, but seeing none of its purple blossoms.
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