"Abide, O Lord, in this house; and be present at the breaking of bread, in love and in kindness. Amen."
During the meal, Aaron Bade asked Mr. Jeminy many questions, to discover what the old man hoped to do. "I suppose," he said, "you've come a good distance."
"Yes," said Mr. Jeminy gravely, "I have come a good distance."
Aaron Bade gave his wife a look which said plainly, "There, you see, mother."
"Where is your home, old man?" asked Mrs. Bade kindly.
"I have no home," said Mr. Jeminy.
Aaron Bade cleared his throat. "Are you bound anywhere in particular?" he asked.
"No," said Mr. Jeminy.
"Then," said Aaron Bade, "we'd admire to have you stay with us, if it's agreeable to you."
Mr. Jeminy looked about him at the homely kitchen, with its brown crockery set away neatly on the shelves. "If I stay with you," he said, "I should like to work in the fields, and help with the sowing and the harvesting."