“What do you mean?”
“It isn't fair that a gentleman like you should be kept shivering at an unfortunate man's door like me. I am not quite good for nothing, sir, and this will disgrace me in my own eyes.”
“I am on the best side of the door; don't trouble your head about me.”
“I shouldn't, sir, if you had not about me—but kindness begets kindness. Go to your comfortable bed.”
Mr. Eden hesitated.
“You will make me more unhappy than I am, if you stay here in the cold.”
Now, at the beginning of this argument Mr. Eden was determined not to go; but on reflection he made up his mind to, for this reason: “This,” said he to himself, “is an act of uncommon virtue and self-denial in this poor fellow. I must not balk it, for it will be good for his soul; it is a step on the right road. This good and, I might say, noble act is a foundation-stone on which I ought to try and build an honest man and a Christian.”
“Well, then, as you are so considerate I will go.”
“Thank you.”
“Can I do nothing for you before I go?”