'You've got to love me!' repeated the farmer, opening his eyes in mock
surprise; 'and when did I ask for any of your love, young fellow?'

'I don't suppose you want me to,' observed Teddy cheerfully, as he saw
that the stick, instead of being brandished over his head, was now safely
resting on the ground, 'but I've got to do it, you see, because my banner
I'm holding for my Captain is Love, and I must love everybody.'

The farmer did not answer. Teddy continued earnestly,--

'Do you think you could manage to forgive me, and let us shake hands? It
would make it easier for me to love you if you could.'

There was such honesty of purpose in the blue eyes raised to his, such
wistful curves to the sensitive little lips, that Jonathan Green for the
first time felt the thrall of the child's power.

'Come into the house with me,' he said, 'and I'll see what the missus has
to say to you.'

Teddy followed him without the slightest misgiving, and he was led into
the farmhouse kitchen, where Mrs. Green sat knitting over the fire, and
one of her daughters was laying the cloth for tea.

'Mary Ann, here's the scamp of the village come to see you; keep him here
till I come back. I'm after some stray sheep'; and shutting the door with
a bang the farmer disappeared.

Teddy shook hands with the old lady and the young one, and then seated
himself in the big chair opposite Mrs. Green.