CHAPTER VIII
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f Fred Brent had needed anything to increase his consciousness of the newfeeling that had come to him, he could not have done better to get it thanby going to see Eliphalet Hodges next day. His war of thought had gone onall night, and when he rose in the morning he thought that he looked guilty,and he was aftaid that Miss Prime would notice it and read his secret. Hewanted rest. He wanted to be secure from any one who would even suspectwhat was in his heart. But he wanted to see and to talk to some one. Whobetter, then, than his old friend? So he finished his morning's chores and slipped away. He would not passby Elizabeth's house, but went by alleys and lanes until he reached hisdestination. The house looked rather silent and deserted, and Mr. Hodges'old assistant did not seem to be working in the garden as usual. But aftersome search the boy found his old friend smoking upon the back porch.There was a cloud upon the usually bright features, and the old man tookhis pipe from his mouth with a disconsolate sigh as the boy came in sight."I'm mighty glad you 've come, Freddie," said he, in a sad voice. "I 've beena-wantin' to talk to you all the mornin’. Set down on the side o' the porch,or git a chair out o! the house, ef you 'd ruther." The boy sat down, wondering what could be the matter with his friend, andwhat he could have to say to him. Surely it must be something serious, forthe whole tone and manner of his companion indicated something ofimport. The next remark startled him into sudden suspicion. "There 's lots o' things made me think o! lots of other things in the lastcouple o' days. You 've grown up kind o! quick like, Freddie, so that a body‘ain't hardly noticed it, but that ain't no matter. You 'te up or purty nigh it, 40
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