CHAP. VII.


In the evening he took leave of Mr. Martin's family, with a very sorrowful
heart, and set off for Mr. Laurie's. When he reached the house, the maid
bade him come in and sit down near the fire. The other servants began to
assemble, and in about ten minutes the supper was ready. It consisted of
boiled potatoes and whey, the common supper for farm servants. Jeannie,
the cook, then pressed John to eat: "he is shy yet, poor thing; but you
need not be afraid, if you are a good boy. Our master will be very kind to
you; and Will, the shepherd, is one of the drollest and best natured
fellows in the dale, and will keep you laughing all day long, when he goes
to the hill with you. You had best take care of his tricks, however, for
he is very fond of playing them off upon people, but they are always
harmless." Just as she finished this consoling address the door opened,
and in came Will, the shepherd. He was a stout, sun-burnt, good-looking
man of about thirty years of age, fun and good nature being strongly
expressed in his face. "Ah! have you all begun, and not waited for me? I
think that is not very good manners, considering that I am the life of the
company," he said, laughing, as he drew his chair near the table: "and
whom have we among us in this corner, looking so grave? I dare say it is
my new herd-boy, that our master was talking about this morning. Come,
man, cheer up, we shall be as merry as grigs to-morrow on the hill. You'll
never have a grave face in my company, I promise you, long together." "I
have been telling him, Will," said Jeannie, "I was sure you would be kind
to him, so that he had no need to be frightened. And indeed," continued
she, in a sort of whisper, "who would not be kind to a poor orphan boy
like him?" "Now my lad," said Will, "I must try what you are good for, and
send you on your first errand. Go into the stable for me; it stands on the