"If I wasn't sure you could, I wouldn't have come to you," was his reply, and then he paused for a moment or two. "Mrs. Chester, I can spare you two shillings if you're in need of it."
This was sufficient evidence, and Mrs. Chester gratefully pressed his hand. Seth placed two shillings on the table, and walked off quickly.
That night everything was settled; Dr. Lyon advised Mrs. Chester not to delay, and she agreed to go to her situation on the following day. He spoke well of Seth Dumbrick also.
"He has a rough outside," said the sensible doctor, "but it covers a kernel of goodness, if I don't mistake. The strawberry, you know, Mrs. Chester, grows underneath the nettle."
"Yes, sir," replied Mrs. Chester, seeing but vaguely the application.
Mrs. Chester had no heart to bid farewell to her neighbours. She left Rosemary Lane almost by stealth, going first to Seth Dumbrick with the two children.
"You'd like to see my place, perhaps," said Seth, and led the way to his cellar.
Mrs. Chester was dismayed somewhat by the gloomy look of the apartment.
"It is very dark, Mr. Dumbrick."
"Not when one's accustomed to it," was the reply; "besides there's a bit o' light behind the cloud."