When she was alive, he was always as
soft as--as silk."
"His manner has changed now," said Frank, gravely. "Excuse me, Richard,
for finding fault with you, but don't call him old Manning."
"Why not, Mr. Frank?"
"I have no liking for Mr. Manning--in fact, I dislike him--but he was
the husband of my mother, and I prefer to speak of him respectfully."
"I dare say you are right, Mr. Frank, but, all the same, he don't
deserve it. Is Mr. Mark to ride Ajax then?"
"If he asks for it, you are to saddle Ajax for him. I don't want you to
get into any trouble with Mr. Manning on my account."
"I don't care for that, Mr. Frank. I can get another place, and I don't
much care to serve Mr. Manning."
"I would rather you would stay, if you can, Richard. I don't want to see
a new face in the stable."
"I don't think he means to keep me long, Mr. Frank. Deborah and I will
have to go, I expect, and he'll get some servants of his own here."
"Has he hinted anything of this, Richard?" asked Frank, quickly.
"No; but he will soon, you may depend on it. I won't lose sight of you,
though. I've known you since you were four years old, and I won't desert
you, if I can do any good--nor Deborah, either.
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