"That child will break 'is blooming little neck if 'e don't take care," he remarked tentatively.
She hated him to see the child, and to assert her complete ownership she clasped Jackie to her bosom without a word of explanation, and she questioned the child on matters about which William knew nothing.
William stood looking tenderly on his son, waiting for Esther to introduce them. Mother and child were both so glad in each other that they forgot the fine gentleman standing by. Suddenly the boy looked towards his father, and she repented a little of her cruelty.
"Jackie," she said, "do you know who this gentleman is who has come to see you?"
She did not care that Jackie should love his father, and yet she could not help feeling sorry for William.
"Father died before I was born; mother told me."
"If my father hadn't died before I was born he'd 've been to see us before this. Come, mother, come to tea. Mrs. Lewis 'as got hot cakes, and they'll be burnt if we stand talking."
"Yes, dear, but what the gentleman says is quite true; he is your father."
Jackie made no answer, and Esther said, "I told you your father was dead, but I was mistaken."
"Won't you come and walk with me?" said William.
"No, thank you; I like to walk with mother."
"He's always like that with strangers," said Esther; "it is shyness; but he'll come and talk to you presently, if you leave him alone."
Each cottage had a rough piece of garden, the yellow crowns of sunflowers showed over the broken palings, and Mrs. Lewis's large face came into the windowpane. A moment later she was at the front door welcoming her visitors. The affection of her welcome was checked when she saw that William was with Esther, and she drew aside respectfully to let this fine gentleman pass. When they were in the kitchen Esther said----
"What, never! I thought--but I'm sure we're very glad to see you." Then noticing the fine gold chain that hung across his waistcoat, the cut of his clothes, and the air of money which his whole bearing seemed to represent, she became a little obsequious in her welcome.
"I'm sure, sir, we're very glad to see you. Won't you sit down?" and dusting a chair with her apron, she handed it to him. Then turning to Esther, she said--