But he bade her put it up, and stooping to kiss her cheek, turned back into his house.
They had not gone half-a-dozen paces when he was at the door again; the old man retraced his steps to shake hands, and the child did the same.
'Good fortune and happiness go with you!' said the poor schoolmaster.
'I am quite a solitary man now.

If you ever pass this way again, you'll not forget the little village-school.' 'We shall never forget it, sir,' rejoined Nell; 'nor ever forget to be grateful to you for your kindness to us.' 'I have heard such words from the lips of children very often,' said the schoolmaster, shaking his head, and smiling thoughtfully, 'but they were soon forgotten.

I had attached one young friend to me, the better friend for being young--but that's over--God bless you!' They bade him farewell very many times, and turned away, walking slowly and often looking back, until they could see him no more.

At length they had left the village far behind, and even lost sight of the smoke among the trees.

They trudged onward now, at a quicker pace, resolving to keep the main road, and go wherever it might lead them.
But main roads stretch a long, long way.