"They are the best friends I ever had. It isn't meddling, and it does concern them, because they want to see me happy."
"And don't I want you to be happy? You know I'd do anything in the world for you! Don't you, now? I'd promise faithful never to touch a drop of anything again, if that would make it all right."
"You wouldn't keep your promise?"
"I swear I would."
"James, you are not to speak so! And it's no use. You promised me—faithfully—that you would stick to work, the next that came in your way; and you threw it up the first thing."
"I'll stick to it yet,—as soon as I get something to do."
Suddenly Plunkett turned into the street, and crossed over a little way in front of them. Marigold at once called,—
"Father!"
"You shut up!" said Todd, not too civilly.
"Father!" repeated Marigold, and he stopped.