132 CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



which began to loom through the morning mist. The 

 approaching termination of the ride seemed to bring 

 the two saddles closer together. 



" I think I know what you mean. I had an inkling 

 of it before, when I heard the story from old Dobson; 

 but I see it plainer-like now, after what you've said. 

 You likes a man as thinks of grace before meat" said 

 Mr. Greening in a sort of under tone, and looking up 

 into the face of the other, significantly, and with an 

 expression of half inquiry. 



" You've described it more shortly and better than 

 I could have done; you've hit the nail on the very 



head," said the other. "I don't know how it is, 



Greening, but these dark misty mornings bring some 

 thoughts into my mind that I hardly know how to tell 

 exactly as I feel them. But this I know, that some 

 of the thoughts they bring make me shrink from the 

 very sight of a man who looks at nothing but the 

 Wheat stubbles. I'd as soon ride this mare straight 

 into the knacker's yard"- 



" Lor' blesh ye, Sir!" 



" Well you understand me ; it's but a young one, 

 certainly, for that last journey ; but I should feel less 

 sin or shame in that, than in letting a farm to a man 

 who looks at the stubbles first, and the Turnip-fields 



