side. John followed, and the crisis was past.

But I noticed that for several miles he hardly spoke one word.



CHAPTER VI

Near as we lived to Coltham, I had only been there once in my life;
but John Halifax knew the town pretty well, having latterly in
addition to his clerkship been employed by my father in going about
the neighbourhood buying bark. I was amused when the coach stopped
at an inn, which bore the ominous sign of the "Fleece," to see how
well accustomed he seemed to be to the ways of the place. He
deported himself with perfect self-possession; the waiter served him
respectfully. He had evidently taken his position in the world--at
least, our little world--he was no longer a boy, but a man. I was
glad to see it; leaving everything in his hands, I lay down where he
placed me in the inn parlour, and watched him giving his orders and
walking about. Sometimes I thought his eyes were restless and
unquiet, but his manner was as composed as usual.

Mr. Charles had left us, appointing a meeting at Coffee-house Yard,
where the theatre then was.

"A poor barn-like place, I believe," said John, stopping in his walk
up and down the room to place my cushions more easy; "they should
build a new one, now Coltham is growing up into such a fashionable
town. I wish I could take you to see the "Well-walk," with all the
fine people promenading. But you must rest, Phineas."