times and yet I can't speak it out. You remember about
the brownie, and me saying the farm was pleasanter and that? Well, what
I want to say now is, that when you're gone all that'll be gone--mostly.
It'll be like winter after summer. Anyone as could use language could
say a deal about that, but I can't. I don't want you to stay, but I've
had it in my mind to tell you that I shall miss you as well as the
beasts--above a bit. That's all."

Sober now seemed to think he must add something to his master's speech,
for he raised one paw, placed it on Lilac's knee, and gazed with a sort
of solemn entreaty into her face. She knew at once what he wanted, for
though he could not "use language" any more than Peter, he was quite
able to make his meaning clear. In the course of many years' faithful
attention to business he had become rheumatic, and this paw, in
particular was swollen and stiff at the joint. Lilac had found that it
gave him ease to rub it, and Sober had got into the habit of calling her
attention to it in this way at all times and seasons. Now as she took
it in her hand and looked into his wise affectionate eyes, it suddenly
struck her that here were two people who would really miss her, and want
her if she were far away. No one would rub Sober's paw, no one would
take much notice of her other dumb friend, Peter. She could not leave
them. She placed the dog's foot gently on the ground and stood up.

"I'm not going away," she said, "I'm going to bide. And I shall go
straight in and tell Aunt, and then it'll be settled."

Indoors, meanwhile, the same subject had been discussed between
different people. In the living room, where tea was ready on the table,
Mrs Greenways and her two daughters waited the coming of the farmer,
Agnetta eyeing a pot of her favourite strawberry jam rather impatiently,
and Bella, tired with her stitching, leaning languidly back in her chair
with folded arms.

"Lilac ain't said nothing to either of you, I s'pose?" began Mrs
Greenways.

"I know she means to go, though," said Agnetta.

"Well, I must look about for a girl for the dairy, I s'pose," said Mrs
Greenways sadly. "I won't give it to Molly again. And a nice set they
are, giggling flighty things with nothing but their ribbons and their
sweethearts in their heads."

"Lor'! Ma, don't fret," said Bella consolingly; "you got along without
Lilac before, and you'll get along without her again."

"I shan't ever replace h