A Cold Start In A New Life

I knew now that he was talking to his brother, but he certainly seemed
to be addressing himself to the chimney-pot.

"I will, Sol, a whole rood of 'em," said Old Brownsmith, "and thank ye
for the advice."

"Quite welkim," said Brother Solomon to the horse's ears. "Jump up."

He seemed to say this to Shock, who stared at him, wrinkled up his face,
and shook his head.

"Yes, jump up, Grant, my lad," said Old Brownsmith. "Fine evening for
your drive."

"Yes, sir," I said, "good-bye; and say good-bye to Ike for me, will you,
please?"

"Yes, to be sure, good-bye; God bless you, lad; and do your best."

And I was so firm and hard just before, thinking no one cared for me,
that I was ready to smile as I went away.

That "God bless you!" did it, and that firm pressure of the hand. He
did like me, then, and was sorry I was going; and though I tried to
speak, not a word would come. I could only pinch my lips together and
give him an agonised look--the look of an orphan boy going off into what
was to him an unknown world.

I was so blinded by a kind of mist in my eyes that I could not
distinctly see that all the men and women were gathered together close
to the cart, it being near leaving time; but I did see that Brother
Solomon nodded at one of the gate-posts, as he said: "Tlck! go on."