James Walsham worked hard when at school, and, during his holidays, spent his time for the most part on board the fishermen's boats.

Sometimes he went up to the Hall, generally at the invitation of Mr.Wilks.
"Why don't you come oftener, Jim ?" the latter asked him one day.

"Aggie was saying, only yesterday, that you used to be such friends with her, and now you hardly ever come near her.

The squire is as pleased as I am to see you." "I don't know," Jim replied.

"You see, I am always comfortable with you.