If I do anything and I am asked, I always own it.
I wouldn't tell a lie to save myself from a licking." "That's right," the girl said graciously.
She caught somewhat of her mother's manner, from going about with her to the cottages; and it seemed quite natural, to her, to give her advice to this village scapegrace.
"Well, try not to do these sort of things again, Reuben; because I like you, and I don't like to hear people say you are the worst boy in the village, and I don't think you are.

Good-bye," and Kate Ellison proceeded on her way.
Reuben smiled as he looked after her.

Owing to his memory of his former position at the mill, and to his mother's talk and teaching, Reuben did not entertain the same feeling of respect, mingled with fear, for the squire's family which was felt by the village in general.

Instead of being two years younger than himself, the girl had spoken as gravely as if she had been twenty years his senior, and Reuben could not help a smile of amusement.
"She is a dear little lady," he said, as he looked after her; "and it's only natural she should talk like her mother.

But Mrs.Ellison means well, too, mother says; and as for the squire, he is a good fellow.