It had without
doubt answered his call before and knew its meaning to be friendly. It
went towards him, stretching out a tender sniffing nose, and he put
his hand in the pocket of his rough coat and gave it something to eat.
Afterwards he went to the gap in the fence and drew the wires together,
fastening them with other wire, which he also took out of the coat
pocket.
"He is not afraid of making himself useful," thought Betty. "And the
animals know him. He is not as bad as he looks."
She lingered a moment watching him, and then walked towards the gate
through which she had entered. He glanced up as she neared him.
"I don't see your carriage," he said. "Your man is probably round the
trees."
"I walked," answered Betty. "I had heard of this place and wanted to see
it."
He stood up, putting his wire back into his pocket.
"There is not much to be seen from the road," he said. "Would you like
to see more of it?"
His manner was civil enough, but not the correct one for a servant.
He did not say "miss" or touch his cap in making the suggestion. Betty
hesitated a moment.
"Is the family at home?" she inquired.
"There is no family but--his lordship. He is off the place.
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