CHAPTER XXXI 454
and fatal fury -- consequences of my departure -- which might now , perhaps , be dragging him from the path of right , too far to leave hope of ultimate restoration thither . At this thought , I turned my face aside from the lovely sky of eve and lonely vale of Morton -- I say LONELY , for in that bend of it visible to me there was no building apparent save the church and the parsonage , half-hid in trees , and , quite at the extremity , the roof of Vale Hall , where the rich Mr . Oliver and his daughter lived . I hid my eyes , and leant my head against the stone frame of my door ; but soon a slight noise near the wicket which shut in my tiny garden from the meadow beyond it made me look up . A dog -- old Carlo , Mr . Rivers ' pointer , as I saw in a moment -- was pushing the gate with his nose , and St . John himself leant upon it with folded arms ; his brow knit , his gaze , grave almost to displeasure , fixed on me . I asked him to come in .
" No , I cannot stay ; I have only brought you a little parcel my sisters left for you . I think it contains a colour-box , pencils , and paper ."
I approached to take it : a welcome gift it was . He examined my face , I thought , with austerity , as I came near : the traces of tears were doubtless very visible upon it .
" Have you found your first day ' s work harder than you expected ?" he asked .
" Oh , no ! On the contrary , I think in time I shall get on with my scholars very well ."
" But perhaps your accommodations -- your cottage -- your furniture -- have disappointed your expectations ? They are , in truth , scanty enough ; but -- " I interrupted -
" My cottage is clean and weather-proof ; my furniture sufficient and commodious . All I see has made me thankful , not despondent . I am not absolutely such a fool and sensualist as to regret the absence of a carpet , a sofa , and silver plate ; besides , five weeks ago I had nothing -- I was an outcast , a beggar , a vagrant ; now I have acquaintance , a home , a business . I