Маленький лорд Фаунтлерой
Chapter VII
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
