"And do you not like work, my wee man?" asked he, smiling.
"Ay, I like it well enough; but sometimes it seems a bit hard to have all work and no play. I suppose it maun be right or it wouldna be so ordered," said Walter, for he had been well taught that all the arrangements of Providence are wise and good.
"Yes, Walter, it must be right; and you must not be discouraged because you have been put into the harness younger than most lads. You have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helpful, and there is a comfort in that. It is noble to labor; it is ignoble to be idle."
He had now reached his own door, and we followed him in.
"Here is a bit of meat mother sent," said Walter. "And here is a small cheese and some cream," said I.
"Thank you, my dears. Your mother is very kind. I am fond of Cousin Agnes' cheese."
Stepping to the door of the pleasant sitting-room, he spoke to his wife: "Ellen, here is company for you."
She came to greet us, and asked us to go with her. But when we were within the room that to us seemed so grand we felt a little embarrassed.
"If I had kenned they would bring us into this bonnie room," said Walter in an undertone, "I would have put on my Sunday clothes."