"Why, aren't they all on my hands, more or less, Mr. Tincroft?" said the old farmer. "And what I mean is, that if Walter is come home well-to-do, well and good; but if he isn't, it doesn't stand to reason that I should have the keeping of him and his girl, and he not fit to do a day's turn, and perhaps not likely to be."
"And you wish me—let us understand one another, Mr. Wilson—you wish me to furnish you with information which your son withholds?" John said this with a quickened pulse, and a slight colour on his cheek, I daresay; but otherwise, he kept his temper, and spoke quietly and calmly.
"It would be only friendly in you to speak the word, if you can," said old Matthew.
"Then I am very glad that I cannot. But there are a few words I should like to say, Mr. Wilson; and then we had better close our conference, on this subject at least. You are anxious, and naturally so, I daresay, to avoid having fresh and unexpected expenses cast upon you."
"Being getting old, you see, Mr. Tincroft; and having enough to do, so to speak, in holding my own," said the farmer, insinuatingly.
"Yes, exactly so. Well, then, let me tell you in confidence, if you prefer it, or otherwise, as you please, that I am ready and willing to take all care and responsibility off your hands. Your son has done me the honour and pleasure of making my house his home. It will be his home as long as he pleases, and I hope until he gets well again. When he does, it will be time enough to know what his prospects are and what will be best for him to do; and as far as I can, I shall help him, if he needs help."
"That's very good of you to say so, Mr. Tincroft," interposed the old farmer, brightening up.
"Until then," continued John, without heeding the interruption, "I will promise on my wife's part as well as my own, that he shall have all possible care bestowed upon him. But if it should be otherwise ordained, and what you seem to anticipate should come to pass, I promise you that your orphan grand-daughter shall have a home, as long as she needs one. I say this to set your mind at rest, Mr. Wilson; and now we will drop the subject, if you please."
"But no offence, I hope, Mr. Tincroft?"
"No offence at all, sir," said John, shaking hands with Matthew, as he escorted him to the door.