`` And now perhaps you 'll explain what you mean by fainting away on doorsteps and scaring people out of their senses . '' Chester thought that this must be the mistress of Mount Hope Farm , and hastened to propitiate her . `` I 'm sorry , '' he faltered feebly . `` I did n't mean to -- I -- '' `` You 're not to do any talking until you 've had something to eat , '' snapped Clemantiny inconsistently . `` Here , open your mouth and take this broth . Pretty doings , I say ! '' Clemantiny spoke as sharply as Aunt Harriet had ever done , but somehow or other Chester did not feel afraid of her and her black eyes . She sat down by his side and fed him from the bowl of hot broth with a deft gentleness oddly in contrast with her grim expression . Chester thought he had never in all his life tasted anything so good as that broth . The boy was really almost starved . He drank every drop of it . Clemantiny gave a grunt of satisfaction as she handed the empty bowl and spoon to the silent , smiling Miss Salome . `` Now , who are you and what do you want ? '' she said . Chester had been expecting this question , and while coming along the Hopedale road he had thought out an answer to it . He began now , speaking the words slowly and gaspingly , as if reciting a hastily learned lesson . `` My name is Chester Benson . I belong to Upton up the country . My folks are dead and I came to Montrose to look for work , I 've been there a week and could n't get anything to do . I heard a man say that you wanted men to help in the harvest , so I came out to see if you 'd hire me . ''
In spite of his weakness , XXXXX 's face turned very red before he got to the end of his speech .
Benson Chester Clemantiny Farm Harriet Hopedale Montrose Salome doorsteps week