Indeed, I wonder they show themselves at all. I am sure I
would not if I had such a dreadful son.' Presently, 'I hate to
think of it. That I should have thanked him. Depend upon it, he
will never pay the doctor. A coward like that is capable of
anything.'
The proverb had been realised, but there could hardly have been a
more involuntary or helpless listener. Presently my parents came
back, escorted by both the gentlemen of the house, tall fine-looking
men, the elder with snowy hair, and the dignity of men of the old
school; the younger with a joyous, hearty, out-of-door countenance,
more like a squire than a clergyman.
The visit seemed to have been gratifying. Mrs. Fordyce was declared
to be of higher stamp than most of the neighbouring ladies; and my
father was much pleased with the two clergymen, while as we drove
along he kept on admiring the well-ordered fields and fences, and
contrasting the pretty cottages and trim gardens with the dreary
appearance of our own village. I asked why Amos Bell's home had
been neglected, and was answered with some annoyance, as I pointed
down the lane, that it was on our land, though in Hillside parish.
'I am glad to have such neighbours!' observed my mother, and I kept
to myself the remarks I had heard, though I was still tingling with
the sting of them.
We heard no more of 'they Fordys' for some time.
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