So, they set out together, Big Porges and Small Porges, walking side by
side over sun-kissed field and meadow, slowly and thoughtfully, to be
sure, for Bellew disliked hurry; often pausing to listen to the music of
running waters, or to stare away across the purple valley, for the sun
was getting low. And, ever as they went, they talked to one another
whole-heartedly as good friends should.

And, from the boy's eager lips, Bellew heard much of "Auntie Anthea,"
and learned, little by little, something of the brave fight she had
made, lonely and unaided, and burdened with ancient debt, to make the
farm of Dapplemere pay. Likewise Small Porges spoke learnedly of the
condition of the markets, and of the distressing fall in prices in
regard to hay, and wheat.

"Old Adam,--he's our man, you know, he says that farming isn't what it
was in his young days, 'specially if you happen to be a woman, like my
Auntie Anthea, an' he told me yesterday that if he were Auntie he'd give
up trying, an' take Mr. Cassilis at his word."

"Cassilis, ah!--And who is Mr. Cassilis?"

"He lives at 'Brampton Court'--a great, big house 'bout a mile from
Dapplemere; an' he's always asking my Auntie to marry him, but 'course
she won't you know."

"Why not?"

"Well, I think it's 'cause he's got such big, white teeth when he
smiles,--an' he's always smiling, you know; but Old Adam says that if