A FOND FAREWELL. 391 



after him with wistful gaze ; Lucy and I (for a part of the 

 way) bearing him company, she seated on the saddle before 

 him, I walking by the side. The labourers returning from 

 their work to breakfast looked inquisitive as they touched their 

 hats, wondering at the object of their pastor's early sortie. 



Few were the words, but they were very kind, which my 

 uncle said to us, and fond were the looks fond and very sad 

 with which he regarded us as we proceeded slowly along 

 the beautiful winding road, which, after passing the church, 

 ran nearly parallel with the coast to the little sea-side town 

 from whence the stage started. Fond, as I have said, more 

 earnestly fond than usual, were all his looks and words; 

 but of all, none were by me so well remembered as his part- 

 ing injunction " Take care, Frank, of your little cousin." 

 This was given at the foot of a hill between us and the town, 

 up which he had forbidden our ascent, and just as I was help- 

 ing Lucy from the saddle, after he had given her his parting 

 kiss. Then he kissed me too. " God bless you, my boy ! God 

 bless you, my dear children!" and the pony, from habit, 

 broke into a canter, and was presently half-way up the hill. 

 We stood in silence, watching his ascent, till, the summit 

 gained, my uncle for a moment reined up, .turned round, 

 waved his hand, and disappeared behind the eminence. 



I felt at that moment an unaccountable chill strike to my 

 young heart; but I was to " take care of my- little cousin ;" 

 and, seeing the tears streaming down her cheeks, I began the 



