"Nay, lass, don't be afraid," he said, kindly, "I'm only going to wash, and make myself fit for the clean place and the clean wife."
Overjoyed, Jane bustled about, and quickly put the children to bed; and when Richard entered the kitchen again, she was sitting with needle in hand and a pile of ragged garments by her side.
"This looks like old times, Jane," he said.
"It's my fault that there's ever been any change, Richard," she answered, humbly; "but if you'll only help me, we'll have our happy home back again."
"I don't know what to say, Jane, to always staying at home with you. You see, there's the club, and I'm almost bound to attend the meetings sometimes, and they're held in the 'Green Dragon,' and when once a fellow's there, he can't get away in a hurry."
"Oh, Richard, let the club go. It'll never do you any good, and unless you break away altogether, it'll be the ruin of you."
Richard looked thoughtful, but said nothing.
Just then there was a knock at the door, and he started up, saying:
"That's some of my mates. I'll send them off to-night, Jane, anyhow."
"Oh, that it may be the kind gentleman who has promised to come!" thought Jane.