for what he thought unkindness in setting the clergyman at once on
his brother; but Ellen was the more displeased, and exclaimed:

'Nor nobody knows no good. He's a young tramper that hired with
Farmer Shepherd yesterday, a regular runaway and reprobate, just out
of prison, most likely.'

'Well, I hope not so bad as that,' said Mr. Cope, 'he's not a bad-
looking boy; but I dare say you are anxious about your brother. It
must be dull for him, to have his companion laid up;--and by the
looks of him, I dare say his spirits are sometimes too much for you,'
he added, turning to Alfred.

'He does make a terrible racket sometimes,' said Alfred.

'Ay, and I dare say you will try to bear with it, and not drive him
out to seek dangerous company,' said Mr. Cope; at which Alfred
blushed a little, as he remembered the morning, and that he had never
thought of this danger.

Mr. Cope added, 'I think I shall go and talk to those two merry
fellows; I must not tire you, my lad, but I will soon come here
again;' and he took leave.

Heartily did Ellen exclaim, 'Well, that is a nice gentleman!' and as
heartily did Alfred reply. He felt as if a new light had come in on
his life, and Mr. Cope had not said one word about patience.

Ellen expected Mr. Cope to come back and warn her mother against Paul
Blackthorn, but she only saw him stand talking to the two lads till