A Cold Start In A New Life

Brother Solomon loitered about the garden with Old Brownsmith, and it
was not until we had had an early tea that I had to fetch down my little
box to put in the cart, which was standing in the yard with Shock
holding the horse, and teasing it by thrusting a barley straw in its
nostrils and ears.

As I came down with the box, Mrs Dodley said "Good-bye" very warmly and
wetly on my face, giving as she said: "Mind you send me all your stockings and shirts and I'll always put them
right for you, my dear, and Goodbye."

She hurried away, and as soon as my box was in the cart I ran down the
garden to say "Good-bye" to Ike; but he had gone home, so I was told,
and I came back disappointed.

"Good-bye, Shock!" I said, holding out my hand; but he did not take it,
only stared at me stolidly, just as if he hated me and was glad I was
going; and this nettled me so that I did not mind his sulkiness, and
drawing myself up, I tried hard to smile and look as if I didn't care a
bit.

Brother Solomon came slowly towards the cart, rolling the stalk of a
rosebud in his mouth, and as he took the reins he said to one of the
chimneys at the top of the house: "If I was you, Ez, I'd plant a good big bit with that winter lettuce.
You'll find 'em go off well."