Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/97

Rh and in response to the warm invitation which was given him Robert seated himself, and at once began to do ample justice to the viands. He was hungry and the food was tempting.

When he arose the first streaks of the morning light were beginning to appear; and then, in response to the suggestion of the mother, he made his way up to the loft or upper room in the house, and was soon soundly sleeping.

Three hours had elapsed before he was awake again, and in some confusion he descended to the room below, where he found both women busied in their household tasks. The elder woman greeted him with a smile that warmed his heart; but Hannah, who, in the light of the morning, he now saw was certainly a most attractive girl, looked at him and laughed.

"Well, Sir Lazy Bones, I hope you are well this fine day."

"Hannah!" said her mother reprovingly, as she perceived that Robert was confused by the unexpected salutation. "You must not mind her," she added. "She has been spoiled by her father and brothers. She is the only girl in the family." "I think I 'll go out and see how my horse is," said Robert.