"Oh, but he don't, ma'am, never," said Mrs Dean, eagerly; "he crosses
him; but my Esau always sets Mr Gordon here up for a hidle, and thinks
whatever he does must be right."
"Why, Mayne," said Mr John, smiling, "I did not know you were such a
model boy."
"Oh, but he is, sir," cried Mrs Dean; "and my Esau is ever so much
better since--"
"I'm going for a walk," I said, with my face scarlet.
But just then there was a tap at the door, to which Mrs Dean responded,
and came back directly with a little tray, on which was her favourite
black teapot and its companions.
"I'm afraid, ma'am, it isn't such tea as you're used to, but I thought a
cup--and my boy Esau got it ready."
Mrs John gave her a grateful look, and soon after, very much refreshed,
she quite sat up, Mrs Dean helping her to a chair.
"But oh, my dear," she said, "you're so weak and thin; you're not fit to
take a long voyage and a journey such as Mr Gordon talked about."
"If I stay in England I shall die," said Mrs John, sadly.
"Oh, don't say that, my--ma'am. But are you going alone?"
"No; with my husband."
"And soon?"
"The vessel sails in a fortnight."
"A fortnight? There, Mr Gordon, you see you could not go. It is too
soon."
"And you will give up all thought of going, Mayne?" said Mrs John, "for
our sake."
I was silent for a few moments, and then my voice was very husky as I
said--
"For some years now I have had no friends except Mrs Dean and her son.
Then I met Mr John Dempster, and since then it has been like having old
times. Now you are going away, and you say don't go too."
"Yes, yes," said Mrs John; "I am speaking for your good."
"I know you think you are, Mrs John; but if Mr John here had at my age
been placed in my position, I'm sure he would not have done as you
advise."
"I'm afraid I should, my boy," he faltered. "I never did have your
energy."
"Then I can't help it," I cried. "I shall not say good-bye to you, for
go I must."
"Oh, Mr Gordon," cried Mrs Dean, "if you go Esau is sure to go too."
"Then we will try the harder either to make you a home out there, or to
come back here prosperous men."
"Then I say it again," cried Mrs Dean, just as if she were putting my
hopes into shape, "you two couldn't make a home comfortable; so if it is
to be, why there's an end of it. And look here, sir and ma'am, this
poor dear is not fit to go all that long journey alone, and as I'm going
too, I shall come along with you and tend to her, and do the best I
can."
"Oh no, no," cried Mrs John.
"It is impossible," said Mr John.
"Do you want to wake up some day, sir," cried the little woman firmly,
"and find this poor, weak, suffering thing dying for want of help? Of
course you don't. Here, Esau," she cried, throwing open the door.
"Yes, mother; more hot water?" came from the kitchen.
"No; you may begin to pack up. We're going across the sea."
Before Mr and Mrs John left us that night it was all settled; and when
I returned from going part of the way with them, I found Esau and his
mother hard at work, planning as to what was to be taken and what sold,
Mrs Dean rousing her son's anger as I entered the kitchen, and making
him stamp.
"Why, what is the matter?"
"Mother is so obstinate," he cried.
"Why, what about? Does she say now she will not go?"
"No, Mr Gordon, I only told him I must take my four flat-irons with me.
They don't take up much room, and take 'em I will. Why, bless the
boys! do you think you won't want clean shirts?"