‘If you were coming in, you’d better have come out of the rain, not stood idling there with that good-for-nothing lad. The new minister said he would be after you if you were taking up with bad company.’
‘Who told you I was with bad company?’ said Harold.
‘Why, I could see it! I hope he rebuked you both.’
‘He asked us if we could play at cricket—and he asked the pony’s name,’ said Harold, ‘if that’s what you call rebuking us!’
‘And what did he say to that boy?’
‘Oh! he told him he heard he was a stranger here, like himself, and asked how long he’d been here, and where he came from.’
‘And what did he say?’
‘He said he was from Upperscote Union—come out because he was big enough to keep himself, and come to look for work,’ said Harold. ‘He’s a right good chap, I’ll tell you, and I’ll bring him up to see Alfy one of these days!’
‘Bring up that dirty boy! I should like to see you!’ cried Ellen, making such a face. ‘I don’t believe a word of his coming out of the Union. I’m sure he’s run away out of gaol, by the look of him!’
‘Ellen—Harold—come down to your tea!’ called Mrs. King.