If intelligent lads were taught
farming as a business, farming would pay. In the name of common-
sense--"
"I am inclined to agree with you," I interrupted him. "I would
rather see Dick a good farmer than a third-rate barrister, anyhow.
He thinks he could take an interest in farming. There are ten weeks
before he need go back to Cambridge, sufficient time for the
experiment. Will you take him as a pupil?"
St. Leonard grasped his head between his hands and held it firmly.
"If I consent," he said, "I must insist on being honest"
I saw the woefulness again in Janie's eyes.
"I think," I said, "it is my turn to be honest. I have got the
donkey for nothing; I insist on paying for Dick. They are waiting
for you in the rick-yard. I will settle the terms with Miss Janie."
He regarded us both suspiciously.
"I will promise to be honest," laughed Miss Janie.
"If it's more than I'm worth," he said, "I'll send him home again.
My theory is--"
He stumbled over a pig which, according to the time-table, ought not
to have been there. They went off hurriedly together, the pig
leading, both screaming.
Miss Janie said she would show me the short cut across the fields; we
could talk as we went. We walked in silence for awhile.
"You must not think," she said, "I like being the one to do all the
haggling. I feel a little sore about it very often. But somebody,
of course, must do it; and as for father, poor dear--"
I looked at her.
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