 have been strong within him all the while.
The word »gentleman« had a spell for Adam, and, as he often said, he »couldn't
abide a fellow who thought he made himself fine by being coxy to's betters.« I
must remind you again that Adam had the blood of the peasant in his veins, and
that since he was in his prime half a century ago, you must expect some of his
characteristics to be obsolete.
    Towards the young squire this instinctive reverence of Adam's was assisted
by boyish memories and personal regard; so you may imagine that he thought far
more of Arthur's good qualities, and attached far more value to very slight
actions of his, than if they had been the qualities and actions of a common
workman like himself. He felt sure it would be a fine day for everybody about
Hayslope when the young squire came into the estate - such a generous
open-hearted disposition as he had, and an »uncommon« notion about improvements
and repairs, considering he was only just coming of age. Thus there was both
respect and affection in the smile with which he raised his paper cap as Arthur
Donnithorne rode up.
    »Well, Adam, how are you?« said Arthur, holding out his hand. He never shook
hands with any of the farmers, and Adam felt the honour keenly. »I could swear
to your back a long way off. It's just the same back, only broader, as when you
used to carry me on it. Do you remember?«
    »Ay, sir, I remember. It 'ud be a poor look-out if folks didn't remember
what they did and said when they were lads. We should think no more about old
friends than we do about new uns, then.«
    »You're going to Broxton, I suppose?« said Arthur, putting his horse on at a
slow pace while Adam walked by his side. »Are you going to the Rectory?«
    »No, sir, I'm going to see about Bradwell's barn. They're afraid of the roof
pushing the walls out; and I'm going to see what can be done with it before we
send the stuff and the workmen.«
    »Why, Burge trusts almost everything to you now, Adam, doesn't he? I should
think he will make you his partner soon. He will, if he's wise.«
    »Nay, sir, I don't see as he'd be
