I am sorry for you, Ned.

I know it must be a sore trial for you; it is always so when any one steps into the place of one we have loved and lost." "I shouldn't care so much if it wasn't him," Ned said in a dull voice.
"But there's nothing against the man, is there ?" Mr.Porson asked.

"I own I do not like him myself; but I believe he stands well in the town." "Only with those who don't know him," Ned replied; "his workpeople say he is the worst master and the biggest tyrant in the district." "We must hope it's not so bad as that, Ned; still, I am sorry--very sorry, at what you tell me; but, my boy, you must not take it to heart.
You see you will be going out into the world before long.

Your brother will be following you in a few years.

It is surely better that your mother should marry again and have some one to take care of her." "Nice care of her he is likely to take!" Ned laughed bitterly.