Then, although he was rather reserved, people trusted him and often asked his advice.
Peter knew Kit was satisfied to stay at Ashness; but, for all that, if the lad felt he wanted a wider field for his energies later, he would not stand in his way.

The time might come when he must let him go, for Peter had a brother who had got rich in America and was willing to give his nephew a start.

Indeed, Adam had written again not long since, asking if Peter was going to send him.

It was a relief when Kit laughed and declared that he did not mean to leave Ashness yet.
When he passed Allerby mill Kit looked about.

Icicles covered the idle wheel, a snow cornice hung over the flagged roof, and water splashed softly in the half-frozen race.