Billy was fresh, and cantered gayly along, so that Edward was
back early in the afternoon, and once more welcomed by his household.
He stated to Humphrey all that had occurred, and Humphrey was much
pleased at Edward having accepted the offer of the intendant. Alice
and Edith did not quite so much approve of it, and a few tears were
shed at the idea of Edward leaving the cottage. The next day, Edward
and Humphrey set off for Lymington, with Billy in the cart.
"Do you know, Edward," said Humphrey, "what I am going to try and
purchase? I will tell you: as many kids as I can, or goats and kids, I
don't care which."
"Why, have you not stock enough already? You will this year have four
cows in milk, and you have two cow calves bringing up."
"That is very true; but I do not intend to have goats for their milk,
but simply for eating in lieu of mutton. Sheep I can not manage, but
goats, with a little hay in winter, will do well, and will find
themselves in the forest all the year round. I won't kill any of the
females for the first year or two, and after that I expect we shall
have a flock sufficient to meet any demand upon it."
"It is not a bad idea, Humphrey; they will always come home if you
have hay for them during the winter.
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