He looked so much like a great simple boy that
little Elsie came forward to give him what was left of her toffee,
whereupon Dick, not to be outdone, did the like, though there was not
much of his remaining. Finally the Corporal produced his share of
toffee also from his pockets and gave it to the children for the ragged
man, who seemed so much pleased that they did not regret parting with
it.
"There is no harm done, I think," said Lady Eleanor to the woman, "but
it was a wicked thing to throw stones at him."
"It's nought, thank you. Good-evening," said the woman, taking the
ragged man by the arm.
"Have you far to go?" asked Lady Eleanor.
"A middling ways," was the only reply; and the woman turned round to go.
"Stop!" said Lady Eleanor. "My name is Lady Eleanor Bracefort, and if
ever you want anything for your poor son, I hope you will tell me."
"Thank you, my Lady, he wants for nothing," answered the woman rather
gruffly, and turning the man round she led him away across the bridge.
They watched her until she disappeared, a tall powerful woman, with her
back somewhat bent, as if by carrying heavy burdens.
Then Lady Eleanor turned to the children.
"Now, my darlings! Give Master Dick a leg up, Corporal. Wo-ho, Billy;
now, Elsie, up behind him. How young the old horse looks, Corporal!
Are you ready? Walk, march." And away she walked fondling Billy Pitt
as she led him, and with good reason, for, old though he was, his legs
were as clean as a four-year-old's, his muzzle fine and taper, and his
eye full and bright, while he walked with the swinging easy stride that
surely tells of good blood.
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