"I am going out."
Johanna's heart beat rapidly.
"If any one should come, you can say it is of no use their waiting, for I am gone to shave and dress a whole family, at some distance off, and may not be back for some hours; but, Charley, for your own private information, let me tell you that I may look in at any moment, and that, although I shall be busy, I shall be able to come in for a minute or so, when I am least expected."
Todd gave an awful leer at Johanna as he spoke.
"Yes, sir," she said.
Todd carefully locked the parlour door.
"Charley. How do you like your place?"
"Very well, sir; and I think in a little time I shall like it better."
"Good lad! Good lad! Well, well. Perhaps I ought not to say too much so soon, but if you merit my esteem, Charley, I shall do as much for you as I did for the last lad I had. After some term of service with me, I provided him with an independant home. A large house, and a garden. Ha!"
"How very kind."