“Oh, no; but I want to earn my living, and it’s easier to get work in the country than in town, and besides I know more about the country.”
Mr. Laurison’s manner underwent an instant change. He paused a little while and then said:—
“I ain’t got any work for you;” and after another pause: “I think it’s clearin’ up.”
Brydell rose at once. He felt that in a moment the attitude of his host was one of suspicion; but Mrs. Laurison’s kind gaze never changed in the least, and little Minna came closer to him and caught his hand.
“Are you going away?” she asked.
“I must,” said Brydell gently, but feeling as if he would choke. Mr. Laurison got up very promptly.
“I’ll show you a short cut to the main road,” he said.
The sun was now down and the purple twilight was upon them. The trees and grass were wet and a faint gray haze rose from the meadows at the back of the house. It had never dawned upon Brydell that he would be invited to take the road at such an hour, and he felt a strange sinking of the heart.
He thanked Mrs. Laurison for her kindness to him. She said no word to detain him, but Brydell felt she was sorry to see him go. He then turned to shake hands with little Minna. The child suddenly tiptoed and threw her arms around his neck, saying,—
“Won’t you come back to-morrow?”