“I have suffered too much for that. You may trust me—believe me you may.”
“Well, I will trust you. See, here are the five sovereigns. This sum will suffice for your present necessities. Possibly, in a week or two’s time, you will be able to turn yourself round and get something to do. You are not a fool, and I hope you are not an idler.”
“I am not afraid of work, marm.”
“No, no; Peace told me. I know but little about you from my own personal knowledge, but I am proud to say that Charley always spoke well of you, and it is for his sake that I am rendering you this timely assistance.”
“I don’t know how to thank you sufficiently. You are a downright good sort, and no mistake; and I shall never forget your kindness,” observed Bill, who was really grateful for the service rendered him.
He pocketed the money, and, after again expressing his thanks, took his departure.
He proceeded at once to the nearest clothier’s, and had what he termed “a complete rig out.” He then returned to the lodging-house, where he washed, shaved, and put on his new garments.
When this had been done, he did not appear to be the same man. His appearance was not aristocratic, it is true, but he looked a respectable member of society. In addition to this, he felt in better spirits and looked hopefully towards the future.
“If I am not up to the knocker,” he observed, “I am at any rate neat and tidy, and don’t look the forlorn and dilapidated wretch I did yesterday. Oh, I shall do, and I don’t mind paying a visit to the doctor’s establishment. To say the truth, I did feel down-hearted when I last called there.”
The gipsy made himself pretty comfortable till the evening, which had been appointed for him to pay a visit to Mr. Bourne.