And I am not so very little. I am
eight, and have read the Lay of the Last Minstrel and I know all
about people in love. So you might tell me.'
I relieved Anne's mind as to the chances of transportation, and,
after considering how many confidences might be honourably exchanged
with the child, I explained that her father thought Griff had been
idle and careless, and not fit as yet to be trusted with Ellen.
Her parish experience came into play. 'Does papa think he would be
like Joe Sparks? But then gentlemen don't beat their wives, nor go
to the public-house, nor let their children go about in rags.'
I durst not inquire much, but I gathered that there was a heavy
shadow over the house, and that Ellen was striving to do as usual,
but breaking down when alone. Just then Parson Frank appeared.
Anne had run away from him while on a farming inspection, when the
debate over the turnips with the factotum had become wearisome. He
looked grave and sorrowful, quite unlike his usual hearty self, and
came to me, leaning over my chair, and saying, 'This is sad work,
Edward'; and, on an anxious venture of an inquiry for Ellen, 'Poor
little maid, it is very sore work with her. She is a good child and
obedient--wants to do her duty; but we should never have let it go
on so long. We have only ourselves to thank--taking the family
character, you see'--and he made a kindly gesture towards me.
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