And he was hurrying off to the bow-window of the Squire's room, which was alongside of the conservatory. But Nathanael called him back imperatively. “Stay, friend. My father has nothing to do with the mines--it is I. I'll speak to you presently.--Some business of Anne's,” he explained hastily to his wife. “Leave us, dear.” “Why do you make me go in? I want to hear about the poor miners; I want to help them, as well as Anne Valery.” “Do'ee help we, Missus!” implored the man, softened by a woman's kind looks. “Do'ee give we some'at to keep 'un fra starving!” “Starving!” cried Agatha in horror. And even her husband's anxiety was for the moment quelled in the deep pity which overspread his countenance. “It be nigh that, I tell'ee. Us be no cheats--there be other folk as has cheated we. Fine grand folk as knew nowt o' the mines, but shut 'un up, and paid no money.” “How wicked!” “But I be come to find 'un out,” cried the man fiercely, as his eye lit on Nathanael. “For I do know thick fine folk. And I tell'ee”-- “Silence! you forget you are speaking before a lady. Wait for me, and I will talk with you.” “Will'ee, Mister? Don't'ee cheat, now!” said the miner, with a rude attempt at a sneer. The young man's cheek flushed, but he said very quietly-- “I promise you, I will speak with you here in half-an-hour. I am Nathanael Harper--Mr. Harper's youngest son.” After a minute's keen observation, the miner pulled off his cap respectfully. “Thank'ee, sir! You bean't _he_, I see. But you be th' old Squire's son, and--I be Darset, I be!” Another bow--the involuntary respect to the ancient county family from honest labour born upon its ancestral sod, and the man leaned exhausted against the ragged stem of one of the old vines. “Missus,” he said, looking up hungrily--at the lady this time-- “Missus, do'ee gie 'un a bit o' bread!” Agatha, full of compassion, was eager to send the servants or take him into the kitchen, or even fetch him his dinner with her own hands. Mr. Harper interfered. “I will bring him some food myself. Stay here, my man; don't stir hence. Remember, you have nothing to do with my father.” There was a warning severity in the tone which annoyed Agatha. Why did her husband speak harshly to the poor miner? Still she obeyed Mr. Harper's evident wish that she should go away; and spent the time in Elizabeth's room, telling her of this little incident. Miss Harper listened with all the quick intelligence of her bright eyes. The only remark she made was: “What could have led this miner to come back to Dorsetshire after our family?”