Then he plunged into the barge again and uttered a low growl, came up
again and uttered another. I have not the least idea what he meant by
it, though I suppose he expected me to answer, for to my great confusion
he rose up suddenly and stared at me.
"Eh?" he said.
"I didn't speak, sir," I said.
"No, but I did. Got 'em all down? Go on then, one barge, fresh un this
is: you didn't put down the other."
I hastened to rectify my error, and then we went steadily on with the
task, the women being remarkably silent, as if it took all their energy
to keep their fingers going so fast, till all at once Old Brownsmith
appeared at the door and beckoned me to him.
"Tea's ready, my lad," he said; "let's have it and get out again, for
there's a lot to do this evening."
I followed him into a snug old-fashioned room that seemed as if it had
been furnished by a cook with genteel ideas, or else by a lady who was
fond of a good kitchen, for this room was neither one nor the other; it
had old-fashioned dining-room chairs and a carpet, but the floor was
brick, and the fireplace had an oven and boiler. Then there was a
dresser on one side, but it was mahogany, and in place of ordinary
plates and dishes, and jugs swinging from hooks, this dresser was
ornamented with old china and three big punch-bowls were turned up on
the broad part upside down.
There was a comfortable meal spread, with a fresh loaf and butter, and a
nice large piece of ham. There was fruit, too, on the table, and a
crisp lettuce, all in my honour as I afterwards found, for my employer
or guardian, or whatever I am to style him, rarely touched any of the
produce of his own grounds excepting potatoes, and these he absolutely
loved, a cold potato for breakfast or tea being with him a thorough
relish.
"Make yourself at home, Grant, my boy," he said kindly. "I want you to
settle down quickly. We shall have to work hard, but you'll enjoy your
meals and sleep all the better."
I thanked him, and tried to do as he suggested, and to eat as if I
enjoyed my meal; but I did not in the least, and I certainly did not
feel in the slightest degree at home.
"What time did you go to bed over yonder, Grant?" said the old
gentleman.
"Ten o'clock, sir."
"And what time did you get up?"
"Eight, sir."
"Ugh, you extravagant young dog!" he cried. "Ten hours' sleep! You'll
have to turn over a new leaf. Nine o'clock's my bedtime, if we are not
busy, and I like to be out in the garden again by four or five. What do
you say to that?"