his white locks waving on the breeze.

"Here, George, where are you, George?"

"Here I be, sir."

"Ah, yes; then why didn't you say so? I have been shouting myself
hoarse for you."

"Yis, Squire," replied the imperturbable George, "I hev been
a-standing here for the last ten minutes, and I heard you."

"You heard me, then why the dickens didn't you answer?"

"Because I didn't think as you wanted me, sir. I saw that you hadn't
finished your letter."

"Well, then, you ought to. You know very well that my chest is weak,
and yet I have to go hallooing all over the place after you. Now look
here, have you got that fat pony of yours in the yard?"

"Yis, Squire, the pony is here, and if so be as it is fat it bean't
for the want of movement."

"Very well, then, take this letter," and he handed him an epistle
sealed with a tremendous seal, "take this letter to Mr. Quest at
Boisingham, and wait for an answer. And look here, mind you are about
the place at eleven o'clock, for I expect Mr. Quest to see me about
the Moat Farm."