And he turned to me. I think he must have been satisfied then.

Jael retired discomfited, and in her wrath again dropped half of her
cabbages. John picked them up and restored them; but got for thanks
only a parting thrust.

"Thee art mighty civil in thy new clothes. Be off, and be back again
sharp; and, I say, don't thee be leaving the cart o' skins again
under the parlour windows."

"I don't drive the cart now," was all he replied.

"Not drive the cart?" I asked, eagerly, when Jael had disappeared,
for I was afraid some ill chance had happened.

"Only, that this winter I've managed to teach myself to read and add
up, out of your books, you know; and your father found it out, and he
says I shall go round collecting money instead of skins, and it's
much better wages, and--I like it better--that's all."

But, little as he said, his whole face beamed with pride and
pleasure. It was, in truth, a great step forward.

"He must trust you very much, John," said I, at last, knowing how
exceedingly particular my father was in his collectors.

"That's it--that's what pleases me so. He is very good to me,
Phineas, and he gave me a special holiday, that I might go out with
you. Isn't that grand?"