But though he was potent for much he was not potent for that.

Such expression of tenderness would have been true; but he knew that he would so break down in the attempt as to make it seem to be false.
He got out upon Twopenny Drove and passed over the ferry, meaning to walk across the farm and so out on to the Causeway, and round home by the bridge.

But on the other side of the Wash he encountered Mr.Ralph Holt, the occupier of Twopenny farm, whose father also and grandfather had lived upon the same acres.

'And so thou be'est going away from us, Mr.John,' said the farmer, with real tenderness, almost with solemnity, in his voice, although there was at the same time something ridiculous in the far-fetched sadness of his tone and gait.
'Yes, indeed, Holt, I want to travel and see the world at a distance from here.' 'If it was no more than that, Mr.John, there would be nothing about it.
Zeeing the world! You young collegers allays does that.

But be'est thou to come back and be Squoire o'Folking ?' 'I think not, Holt, I think not.