"'It don't become you, Low, to speak in such a way now,' said Miss Grizzy, 'you are not master here, now. You can't count upon this place being yours more than my brother's any longer; it is just as well that you know the truth, and know at once what to expect. The living went from the family when your father died, and it is feared that there will not be much left for your keep when the things are sold, and everything paid.' "The tears stood in Bernard's eyes--not that he attended to all the words Miss Grizzy said; he was thinking of that day a year ago, of his own ill behaviour, and of the kindness of his sweet Lucilla. "'Oh!' he thought, 'how could I have run away from my gentle sister to go to that cruel Stephen?' "Stephen and Meekin walked off in a hurry, after they had breakfasted, and Miss Grizzy sent Bernard after them. He followed them slowly, and yet did not like to stay long behind them. "They were gone again into the yard, and there was Benjamin, and the servant boy, and the pony. Stephen was talking of the pony, and giving his orders: the pony had a long tail, and his mane wanted putting in order. "'You must dock the tail close, Ben,' were the words that Bernard heard; 'she will sell for nothing in that fashion.' "'Oh, no, no!' cried Bernard, running forward, 'Lucilla would not like it; she said she would always have it long to flitch away the flies.' "'Who bid you speak?' said Stephen. "'Is she not my horse now?' cried Bernard. "'No more yours than mine,' replied Stephen. "'Don't cut her tail, Benjamin,' returned Bernard. "'Hold your peace,' said Stephen. "'Only stay till Mr. Evans comes home,' said Bernard. "'Do it now,' said Stephen. "Bernard was beside himself; he called Stephen cruel, deceitful, and anything else he could think of, and he tried to seize the halter of the pony. "Stephen dragged him away, and in the scuffle thought Bernard had struck him; Meekin swore that he did. "Stephen, when set up, was furiously passionate, and without taking time for thought, he snatched a switch from the hand of Ben, and laid it on Bernard till his back and even the sides of his face were covered with wheals. The poor boy ran, and Stephen after him. Stephen was even the more provoked because Benjamin cried to him to desist.