The doctor interrupted her with a profane exclamation.
"I beg your pardon, sir?" said Mrs. Budd.
"I say," said the doctor, "that this surprises me."
"Oh," cried Mrs. Budd, "'e ain't what anybody would call a bad man at 'eart; really 'e ain't, sir. 'Tis something strange what's come over 'im as made 'im turn thief. I was tellin' you, Doctor, about this message. I sent one back to say I will think it over.
"'I can forgive,' I says, 'but I can't forget.' I mean to stand by 'im, really, if it's only for the children's sake.
"Besides, he ain't never treated me so bad—considering. He ain't always bin a thief. And he knows he had done wrong. He admits that, Doctor. Perhaps he'll try to do better in future. Don't you think so?"
"I can think anything of these thieves," said Doctor Brink.
"Yes," murmured Mrs. Budd.... "I admit 'e don't deserve no pity."
"And he 'knows he has done wrong'!" repeated the doctor.
"Oh, yes, sir," said Mrs. Budd.