He and Grieve liked one another.

If there had been intrigues raised against the minister within the 'Christian Brethren' congregation, Reuben Grieve had taken no part in them.
After some general conversation, Mr.Ancrum suddenly said, 'Will you let me have a word with you, Mr.Grieve, about your nephew David--if you'll not think me intruding ?' 'Say on, sir--say on,' said Reuben hastily, but with an inward shrinking.
'Well, Mr.Grieve, you've got a remarkable boy there--a curious and remarkable boy.

What are you going to do with him ?' 'Do wi him ?--me, sir?
Wal, I doan't know as I've iver thowt mich about it,' said Reuben, but with an agitation of manner that struck his interrogator.

'He be varra useful to me on t' farm, Mr.Ancrum.
Soom toimes i' t' year theer's a lot doin, yo knaw, sir, even on a bit place like ours, and he ha gitten a good schoolin, he ha.' The apologetic incoherence of the little speech was curious.

Mr.
Ancrum did not exactly know how to take his man.
'I dare say he's useful.