"Yes," said Aunt Leth, faintly.
"But why? why? Why 'sir' and why 'Mr.'? Everybody else calls me Miser Farebrother. I like it; it tickles me. Pray call me that for the future, like good-natured souls, as you are. Come, Jeremiah, come. Phœbe will be impatient for your flowers."
He hobbled away, clinging to Jeremiah's arm, and presently said,
"Well, Jeremiah?"
"Thank you," said Jeremiah.
"Keep faith with me," said Miser Farebrother, fiercely, taking his hand from Jeremiah's arm, and standing erect, "and I'll keep faith with you. Trick me, deceive me, rob me, and I'll make England too hot to hold you!"
"Why do you speak to me like that?" asked Jeremiah, in an injured tone.
"Because I know the world," retorted the miser; "because I know human nature. Did I show it to them just now, or did I not? Did I compel them to be honey to my face, while they hated me in their hearts? Play tricks with me, and I'll serve you worse!"
"We have made a bargain," said Jeremiah, submissively, "and I will keep to it, and be grateful to you all my life."
"That is what I want," said Miser Farebrother. "While I am alive I am master. When I am gone, you will have your turn."