So you will be set free to get your own living without encumbrance; you are earning your six shillings now, and that will keep you well.' 'Please, sir,' answered Stephen, 'we mean to live all together as we've been used; and I couldn't let grandfather and little Nan come upon the parish.

Martha must stay at home to mind them; and I'll work my fingers to the bone for them all, sir.

Many thanks all the same to you for coming up here to see after us.' 'Very fine indeed, my little fellow,' said Thomas Wyley; 'but you don't understand what you are talking about.

It is my place to see after the poor, and I cannot leave you in charge of such a very old man and such a child as this, No, no; they must be taken care of; and they'll be made right comfortable in the House.' 'Father said,' replied Stephen, 'that I was never to let grandfather and little Nan come upon the parish.

I get my wages, and we've no rent to pay; and the potatoes and oats will help us; and Martha can pick bilberries on the hill, and carry bundles of firing to the village; and we'll do well enough without the parish.