Soosie-Toosie cast a frightened glance at Mr. Palk and another at her father; but Joe was smiling.
"More money—eh? Now that's a great thought, Thomas—a very great thought. Fancy! And why for, Thomas, if I may ask without making a hole in my manners?"
"For my dead sister's boy," said Mr. Palk. "There's no money, because his father's out of work and I'm very wishful to lend a hand on his account."
"And very creditable to you, Thomas; and how comes it his lawful father's out of work?"
It was at this moment, to the joy of Susan, that Dinah knocked at the door. She leapt up and thankfully brought the visitor back with her.
Mr. Stockman, too, was pleased.
"Company, Thomas," he said. "We'll take this subject up at another time. Don't think I'll forget it. I never forget anything, for though the body's weak, worse luck, the mind is clear. Dinah, I see—and why not? You'll always find friends here, Orphan Dinah."
Thomas emptied his glass and disappeared, while Dinah plunged into the first object of her visit.
"I'm glad you haven't throwed me over for what I've done," she said.
"Far from it," replied Mr. Stockman. "Is Soosie-Toosie the sort that judges, or be I?"