|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Book, page 90 / 182 something hot, and get dried.' Paul shambled in very foot-sore. He looked as if he were made of moist mud, and might be squeezed into any shape, and streams of rain were dropping from each of his many rags. 'Well, I don't know how to thank you--such a night! But he'll sleep easy now. How did you come to think of it?' 'I was just coming home from the parson's, and I met Harold putting up Peggy, in a great way because he'd forgotten. That's all, Missus,' said Paul, looking shamefaced. 'Good-night to you.' 'No, no, that won't do. I must have you sit down and get dry,' said Mrs. King, nursing up the remains of the fire; and as Paul's day- garments served him for night-gear likewise, he could hardly help accepting the invitation, and spreading his chilled hands to the fire. As to Mrs. King's feelings, it must be owned that, grateful as she was, it was rather like sitting opposite to the heap in the middle of Mr. Shepherd's farm-yard. 'Would you take that?' she said, holding out a three-penny piece. 'I'd make it twice as much if I could, but times are hard.' 'No, no, Missus, I didn't do it for that,' said Paul, putting it aside. 'Then you must have some supper, that I declare.' And she brought out a slice of cold bacon, and some bread, and warmed some beer at the fire. She would go without bacon and beer herself to-morrow, but that was nothing to her. It was a real pleasure to see the colour come into Paul's bony yellow cheeks at the hearty meal, which he could not refuse; but he did not speak much, for he was tired out, and the fire and the beer were making him very sleepy. Alfred rapped above with the stick that served as a bell. It was to beg that Paul would come and be thanked; and though Mrs. King was a
|
Knowledgerush Search
|
|
Contact Us
| Privacy Statement & Terms of Use
|