She 's got hard as rocks . '' That afternoon Miss Cynthia harnessed her fat grey pony into the phaeton herself -- she kept neither man nor maid , but lived in her big , immaculate house in solitary state -- and drove away down the dusty , buttercup-bordered road , leaving Wilbur sitting on the verandah . She returned in an hour 's time and drove into the yard , shutting the gate behind her with a vigorous snap . Wilbur was not in sight and , fearful lest he should be in mischief , she hurriedly tied the pony to the railing and went in search of him . She found him sitting by the well , his chin in his hands ; he was pale and his eyes were red . Miss Cynthia hardened her heart and took him into the house . `` I 've been down to see Mr. Robins this afternoon , Wilbur , '' she said , pretending to brush some invisible dust from the bottom of her nice black cashmere skirt for an excuse to avoid looking at him , `` and he 's agreed to take you on trial . It 's a real good chance -- better than you could expect . He says he 'll board and clothe you and let you go to school in the winter . '' The boy seemed to shrink . `` Daddy said that I would stay with you , '' he said wistfully . `` He said you were so good and kind and would love me for his sake . '' For a moment Miss Cynthia softened . She had been very fond of her stepbrother ; it seemed that his voice appealed to her across the grave in behalf of his child . But the crust of years was not to be so easily broken . `` Your father meant that I would look after you , '' she said , `` and I mean to , but I ca n't afford to keep you here . You 'll have a good place at Mr. Robins ' , if you behave yourself . I 'm going to take you down now , before I unharness the pony , so go and wash your face while I put up your things . Do n't look so woebegone , for pity 's sake ! I 'm not taking you to prison . ''
Wilbur turned and went silently XXXXX the kitchen .
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