"Why not? You're not fit to manage a business by yourself—I'm inclined to think the two of us might make a success of it—the three of us, if Mattie has to assist. I don't see why we should go on like this any longer—you can't stand at this rent—one house may as well hold all of us—why not?"
"You are very kind. I shall be a great trouble to you."
"I hope not. If you are—I like trouble. I shall make a bright light of you in good time!"
Sidney thought of the sermons in store for him, but hazarded no comment. Beyond them, and before all, was the preacher's daughter—the woman who understood him, and who had even rendered blindness endurable.
"You were speaking a short while since of going abroad. Have you changed your mind?"
"They changed theirs at the chapel. Bless you! they thought they could pitch upon a man so much more suitable! You hear that—so much more suitable!"
"Ah!—a good joke."
"I don't see where the joke lies," he said quickly.
"I beg pardon. No, not exactly a joke—was it?"
"I should say not."