Noah looked up relieved when the man praised him. He smiled sheepishly. "Thank ye, ser," he muttered, glowing. He didn't get praised often, and especially not by a rich bloke who took an interest in his future and might support him.

He was about to tell the man the name of the farmer, when the gentleman asked about James, and Noah cast his eyes down. He began to pluck at the napkin again. "He'll have to stay in me parents 'ome for now and get 'imself to school. But I told 'im it's important he goes and he promised 'e will. I can't watch him while I'm workin' for Mr. Meijer, ser, but once I get me own place I can take him in." He looked up as he remembered the other question. "Ah, tha's the farmer I work for, ser, Mr. Meijer. He's a gentleman 'imself, but come 'ere to farm and be a teacher. I dunno why 'e would, but 'e's been feedin' them bairns in t' school and 'e's a good man."