usual, that he asked to be taught patience, and not ONLY to be made
well, as he had hitherto done.

That over, he lay smiling as he waited for his breakfast, and when
Ellen brought it to him, he had not one complaint to make, but ate it
almost with a relish. 'Is that boy gone?' he asked Ellen, as she
tidied the room while he was eating.

'What, the dirty boy? No, there he is, speaking to the farmer. Will
he beg of him?'

'Asking for work, more likely.'

'I'd sooner give work to a pig at once,' said Ellen; 'but I do
believe he's getting it. I fancy they are short of hands for the
hay. Yes, he's pointing into the field. Ay, and he's sending him
into the yard.'

'I hope he'll give him some breakfast,' said Alfred. 'Do you know he
slept all night on a hay-cock?'

'Yes, so Mother said, just like a dog; and he got up like a dog this
morning,--never so much as washed himself at the river. Why, he's
coming here! Whatever does he want?'

'The lad?'

'No, the farmer.'

Mr. Shepherd's heavy tread was heard below, and, as Alfred said,