Маленький лорд Фаунтлерой

           Astheynearedthegate,amanwhostoodwithhishatinhishandmadeastepforwardandthenhesitated.Hewasamiddle-agedfarmer,withacarewornface.

           “Well,Higgins,”saidtheEarl.

           Fauntleroyturnedquicklytolookathim.

           “Oh!”heexclaimed,“isitMr.Higgins?”

           “Yes,”answeredtheEarldryly;“andIsupposehecametotakealookathisnewlandlord.”

           “Yes,mylord,”saidtheman,hissunburnedfacereddening.“Mr.Newicktoldmehisyounglordshipwaskindenoughtospeakforme,andIthoughtI’dliketosayawordofthanks,ifImightbeallowed.”

           Perhapshefeltsomewonderwhenhesawwhatalittlefellowitwaswhohadinnocentlydonesomuchforhim,andwhostoodtherelookingupjustasoneofhisownlessfortunatechildrenmighthavedone—apparentlynotrealizinghisownimportanceintheleast.

           “I’veagreatdealtothankyourlordshipfor,”hesaid;“agreatdeal.I——”

           “Oh,”saidFauntleroy;“Ionlywrotetheletter.Itwasmygrandfatherwhodidit.Butyouknowhowheisaboutalwaysbeinggoodtoeverybody.IsMrs.Higginswellnow?”

           Higginslookedatrifletakenaback.Healsowassomewhatstartledathearinghisnoblelandlordpresentedinthecharacterofabenevolentbeing,fullofengagingqualities.

           “I—well,yes,yourlordship,”hestammered,“themissusisbettersincethetroublewastookoffhermind.Itwasworryingbrokeherdown.”

           “I’mgladofthat,”saidFauntleroy.“Mygrandfatherwasverysorryaboutyourchildrenhavingthescarletfever,andsowasI.Hehashadchildrenhimself