"Don't say that, father. Wherever we go we shan't work harder than we've done on the farm."
"Ah, but here I've worked for myself. I've been my own master, with no one to hector me. And I've loved the place and I've loved the work. And I've put so much of my life into it that it seems like part of myself. Boy, it will break my heart!" And the tears welled suddenly up into his eyes and rolled down his cheeks.
Ralph did not reply. He felt that he had no word of comfort to offer. None of them as yet felt the full weight of the blow. They would only realise how much they had lost when they had to wander forth to a strange place, and see strangers occupying the home they loved.
CHAPTER VIII
CONFLICTING EMOTIONS
Two days later Sir John's agent came across to Hillside Farm, and made a careful inspection of the premises, after which he made out a list of repairs that needed doing, and handed it to David.
"What is this?" David asked, taking the paper without looking at it.
"It is a list of repairs that you will have to execute before leaving the place."
"Oh, indeed!" And David deliberately tore the paper in half, then threw the pieces on the ground and stamped upon them.