Chapter XVI: The Return Home

The next day was the day appointed for the young Bensons to return home. They rose earlier than usual, that they might have time to walk round the farm, and take a last look at the objects that had given them so much pleasure. They first went to the poultry-yard, and took with them some tares, to feed a pigeon that was grown so tame as to fly down when he saw them, and perch upon their heads. Their next business was to take leave of Plover the pony, for whom they had both conceived a great affection; for, after Charles’s fright, Mr. Mansfield had given them several lessons in riding, and they had learned to manage him tolerably well, and were exceedingly delighted with the exercise.

They were stroking him, and lamenting that they should have no more rides, when old Ralph came up.

Honest Ralph was much attached to his master, and was disposed to love his grandchildren for his sake; and their constant civility and good humour conspired to make them favourites.

As he had heard what they said, he very obligingly brought out the saddle and bridle; and, harnessing the pony, told them that breakfast was not yet ready, and that they should have a ride the last morning.

These words “the last morning” brought the tears into Charles’s eyes; but as he had a good deal of fortitude, he strove to suppress them, and, mounting Plover, galloped away to a distance, that he might not be seen to cry. Presently after Arthur took his turn, and, as it grew late, they then went in doors.

They found Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield in the parlour, and the post-chaise, in which they were to set off, already at the door. They were therefore obliged to hurry over their breakfast, that they might not keep their grandfather waiting for them; for the old gentleman had engaged to accompany his grandsons to London, where he was to remain for a few days. Mrs. Mansfield kissed both the boys over and over again, and charged them to give her love to their papa and mamma, and little sister. She bestowed upon them great commendations for their good conduct and docility during the whole of their stay, and told them that, as they had enjoyed their visit, she hoped they would repeat it at some future opportunity.

Arthur and Charles pressed her hand, and returned her embraces; but their voices failed when they attempted to thank her for the great kindness she had shown them.

At length the moment of separation came; but before they stepped into the chaise, they went round to shake hands with all the servants, who had assembled about the door, in order to see them set off, and wish them good-bye.

When the carriage drove off, a gloom hung for a short time upon the countenances of the young travellers; but it cleared away by degrees, as their attention was diverted to new objects, and in a short time they entirely recovered their gaiety.

After they had travelled some miles, Mr. Mansfield informed them that they were then upon a new road, which a few years before had been cut through a steep hill. “You observe,” said he, “that we have a high bank on each side of us, so that we seem to be almost buried between the two. The spot where we now are was formerly level with the top of the banks, and made a part of the same field with them; and the old road then went several miles further about, to avoid this hill. But now that the ground has been cut away so as to leave the road on a gentle ascent, coming this way saves time, and is less fatiguing to horses.”

“It must have been a work of great labour,” said Arthur.

“Certainly,” returned Mr. Mansfield; “but it is nothing in comparison to some works that have been accomplished. What should you think of making canals, or artificial rivers, for forty or fifty miles together, where before was dry land?”

“Is it possible,” said Charles, “that that should ever have been done!”

“Undoubtedly, my dear, in several places,” observed Mr. Mansfield. “When a number of men, Charles, unite together in the same work, with prudence and industry, it is difficult to say what they _cannot_ do.”

The travellers did not arrive in London till late in the evening. Arthur and Charles rejoiced to meet again their dear parents and sister, from whom they had never before separated; and they felt, that though they might enjoy an occasional excursion, yet for a constancy no place was so happy or desirable as HOME.

THE END.

_London: William Darton, 58, Holborn-Hill._

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