They were interrupted by Philip's voice from the back-door.
'Sylvie, your mother's awake, and wants you!' 'Come, Kester, come,' and taking hold of him she drew him with her into the house.
Bell rose as they came in, holding by the arms of the chair.

At first she received Kester as though he had been a stranger.
'I'm glad to see yo', sir; t' master's out, but he'll be in afore long.

It'll be about t' lambs yo're come, mebbe ?' 'Mother!' said Sylvia, 'dunnot yo' see?
it's Kester,--Kester, wi' his Sunday clothes on.' 'Kester! ay, sure it is; my eyes have getten so sore and dim of late; just as if I'd been greeting.

I'm sure, lad, I'm glad to see thee! It's a long time I've been away, but it were not pleasure-seeking as took me, it were business o' some mak'-- tell him, Sylvie, what it were, for my head's clean gone.

I only know I wouldn't ha' left home if I could ha' helped it; for I think I should ha' kept my health better if I'd bided at home wi' my master.
I wonder as he's not comed in for t' bid me welcome?
Is he far afield, think ye, Kester ?' Kester looked at Sylvia, mutely imploring her to help him out in the dilemma of answering, but she was doing all she could to help crying.