"Will he?"
"Yes. Master Theodore's his father's heir. You can look out of the window, and as far as you can see, and further, is Mr. Barton's own property, and will be his son's. Heaven bless the dear boy! There never was another so handsome, so good!"
"I thought you said he was very naughty this morning, Jane," Jack remarked in a puzzled tone.
"Well, maybe he was at the time I spoke, but he's never naughty long. He has his mother's sweet, forgiving nature."
"Oh, Jane," Jack cried, coaxingly, "do tell me about Theo's mother! What was she like?"
"Like a beautiful angel, Master Jack. Her hair was as fine as spun silk, and as golden as your own. Her eyes were large and bright, in colour a deep blue; and her face, with its kind, gentle look, always gained her friends."
"Was she very good, Jane?"
"That she was. When she died the whole parish mourned; and as for Mr. Barton, there was no comforting him. He never saw Master Theodore for some weeks, until one day I walked into the room where he was, with the dear little lamb in my arms. Will you please to look at your son, sir,' I said, all of a tremble, and he went as white as a sheet. 'Take him away!' he cried, but I wouldn't. Then I told him as how my mistress, some days before she died, said if the baby was a boy she would like him to be called Theodore, and if a girl, Theodora—because, Master Jack, those names mean 'The gift of God.' Well, the master listened, and agreed that the child should be baptised Theodore, as his wife had wished; but he only glanced once at the baby, and turned away. As time went on he got accustomed to seeing the dear lamb about, and I believe now he's very proud of him, as indeed he ought to be. Mr. Barton has a real kind heart, and he gives Master Theodore all he could possibly wish."
"He is very kind," Jack agreed. "When he carries me downstairs he doesn't hurt me at all scarcely."
Jane nodded. She had been talking, hoping to interest her little companion, and keep his thoughts from the happy party in the hayfield. Apparently she had succeeded, for Jack looked thoughtful, but by no means sorrowful.