"
That was the worst argument he could have devised. My pride was up
in arms now, in good sooth, and I said firmly:
"With your leave, sir, I will earn what money I need."
"Didst ever see such an obstinate youth?" said he testily, turning
to his wife. "Well, as you will. I warrant you will soon sing
another tune. Go and see my steward, one of the men will take you
to him, and tell him what you know of husbandry; 'tis no more, I
warrant, than you have learned out of Vergil's Georgics.
"Stay," he added, as I turned to go, "we must have a name for you.
You can not be a mere cipher in my estate books."
"Call me Joe, sir," I said, he thinking me of my friend Punchard.
"Joseph in the house of bondage," says he with a laugh, "Well, Joe
it shall be."
I was some paces towards the door when remembrance came to me.
"May I have my crown piece, sir?" I said, turning back.
"God bless the boy! Here, take it; 'tis the same that jumped from
your pocket. And now I bethink me, those poachers' tatters sit very
ill on your long carcass.
"We must find something better suited to his frame, mistress."
"We will have, a clothier from Bridgenorth," said the lady.
"I trust you will be very happy with us the short while you stay,
Joe," she added with her gentle smile, and I went from the room
with my heart very warm towards her.
Chapter 10: The Shuttered Coach.
Thus I entered on a period which I look back upon, after fifty
years, as one of the happiest in my life.
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