"Oh,no matter;the mare will be safer under me than a stranger.And though I have taken good care that the three horses in the tan-yard shall have the journey,turn and turn about;still it's a good pull from here to Norton Bury,and the mare's my favourite.I would rather take her myself."I smiled at his numerous good reasons for doing such a very simple thing;and agreed that it was right and best he should do it.
"Then shall I call Mrs.Tod and inquire?Or perhaps it might make less fuss just to go and speak to her in the kitchen.Will you,Phineas,or shall I?"Scarcely waiting my answer,we walked from our parlour into what Icalled the Debateable Land.
No one was there.We remained several minutes all alone,listening to the groaning overhead.
"That must be Mr.March,John."
"I hear.Good heavens!how hard for her.And she such a young thing,and alone,"muttered he,as he stood gazing into the dull wood embers of the kitchen fire.I saw he was moved;but the expression on his face was one of pure and holy compassion.That at this moment no less unselfish feeling mingled with it I am sure.
Mrs.Tod appeared at the door leading to the other half of the cottage;she was apparently speaking to Miss March on the staircase.
We heard again those clear,quick,decided tones,but subdued to a half-whisper.
"No,Mrs.Tod,I am not sorry you did it--on my father's account,'tis best.Tell Mr.--the young gentleman--I forget his name--that Iam very much obliged to him."
"I will,Miss March--stay,he is just here.--Bless us!she has shut the door already.--Won't you take a seat,Mr.Halifax?I'll stir up the fire in a minute,Mr.Fletcher.You are always welcome in my kitchen,young gentlemen."And Mrs.Tod bustled about,well aware what a cosy and cheerful old-fashioned kitchen it was,especially of evenings.
But when John explained the reason of our intrusion there was no end to her pleasure and gratitude.He was the kindest young gentleman that ever lived.--She would tell Miss March so;as,indeed,she had done many a time.
"'Miss,'said I to her the very first day I set eyes on you,when Ihad told her how you came hunting for lodgings--(she often has a chat with me quite freely,being so lonesome-like,and knowing I to be too proud to forget that she's a born lady)--'Miss,'said I,'who Mr.
Halifax may be I don't know,but depend upon it he's a real gentleman.'"I was the sole amused auditor of this speech,for John had vanished.
In a few minutes more he had brought the mare round,and after a word or two with me was clattering down the road.
I wondered whether this time any white-furred wrist stirred the blind to watch him.
John was away a wonderfully short time,and the doctor rode back with him.They parted at the gate,and he came into our parlour,his cheeks all glowing with the ride.He only remarked,"that the autumn nights were getting chill,"and sat down.The kitchen clock struck one.
"You ought to have been in bed hours ago,Phineas.Will you not go?