Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 13, 2025
They had not met for nearly two years, and had plenty to talk about. She watched them at first vaguely, and only from time to time, for the rest going on with some needlework she had in her lap. But by-and-by she dropped her needlework altogether, and her watching became continuous and absorbed. "What a singular-looking man!" she thought, studying Winthorpe. "What an ascetic-looking man!
"Which we shall make good land, Mr Winthorpe," said the engineer. "But I was going to say it will be a treat to come over from my lonely lodgings to some one who will make me welcome, for I must say the common people here are rather ill-disposed." "Only snarling," said the squire. "They daren't bite. They don't like any alterations made. Take no notice of their surly ways.
He was right; and just in the veriest time of need the great blacksmith reached the fainting squire, and grasping his arm breasted the water with him; and in another minute they were ascending the slope, with the water shallowing, till they reached a blazing fire, where Mrs Winthorpe clasped husband and son to her breast! "All right, wife!" cried the squire. "Glad you are here, Hickathrift!
"Yes, it's all right, Master Winthorpe," said Farmer Tallington; "but what will the folks say?" "Say! What have they got to do with it?" cried Squire Winthorpe. "You boys don't make so much noise. I can't hear myself speak." "Do you hear, Tom, howd thy row, or I'll send thee home," said the farmer; "recollect where you be." "Yes, father," said, the lad.
"Well, my boy, I've put my hand to the plough to do a good, honest, sensible work, and, knowing as I do, that it's a man's duty to go on with it, I shall stand fast, come what may." "And not leave me in the lurch, Mr Winthorpe?" said a voice. "No, Marston, not if they hamstring me in turn," cried the squire, holding out his hand to the young engineer, who had hurried over.
"How long will it be before the doctor can get here?" she said hoarsely, as she passed her arm under the injured man's neck, and pressed her lips to his white brow. "Hickathrift's lad went off at a hard gallop," said Farmer Tallington in a voice full of sympathy. "Please God, Mrs Winthorpe, we'll save him yet."
"Now, are you coming?" "No, I am not." "Then I've done with you," cried Tom angrily. "Father says that a lad who knows who attacked his parent in that way, and will not speak out, is a coward and a cur, and that's what you are, Dick Winthorpe." "Tom Tallington," cried Dick, with his eyes flashing, "you are a fool." "Say that again," said Tom menacingly.
Of course these rides were not had in the sty, nor yet in the farm-yard, but out along by the edge of the fen, and the enjoyment was nearly perfect till it was brought to an end, always in the same way, as soon as a nice convenient shallow pool was encountered, for here Lady Winthorpe, as she was called, always lay down for a comfortable wallow, when it was no use to wait for another ride, for the seat became too wet.
That was a painful thought, one which made Dick Winthorpe rise and go and seat himself on the window-sill and gaze out over the fen. From where he was seated his eyes ranged over the portion where the drain was being cut; and as he looked, it seemed to him that all his troubles had dated from the commencement of the venture by his father, and those who had joined in the experiment.
People who live in out-of-the-way places, far from medical help, learn to be self-reliant, and as soon as Squire Winthorpe realised what was wrong he gave orders for the injured man to be carried to the couch in the dining parlour, where his wet jacket was taken off by the simple process of ripping up the back seam. "Now, mother, the scissors," said the squire, "and have some bandages ready.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking