"Them as is dead, can't," said Mrs. Hullins, "and them as is alive has their own to keep, except Jack."
"Well, then, it's bailiffs," said Denry, but still cheerfully.
"Nay, nay! Ye 'll none turn me out."
Denry threw up his hands, as if to exclaim: "I 've done all I can, and I 've given you a pinch of tobacco. Besides, you ought not to be here alone. You ought to be with one of your children."
There was more conversation, which ended in Denry repeating, with sympathetic resignation:
"No, you 'll have to get out. It's bailiffs."
Immediately afterwards he left the residence, with a bright filial smile. And then, in two minutes, he popped his cheerful head in at the door again.
"Look here, mother," he said, "I 'll lend you half a crown if you like."
Charity beamed on his face, and genuinely warmed his heart.
"But you must pay me something for the accommodation," he added. "I can't do it for nothing. You must pay me back next week and give me threepence. That's fair. I could n't bear to see you turned out of your house. Now, get your rent-book."