Part 3, Chapter II.
In Trouble.
“Sage? What—down-stairs?” cried Mrs Portlock. “Don’t say they’re in trouble again, Joseph.”
“Why not?” said the Churchwarden, slowly. “Come along down, and make the poor girl some warm tea. She’s been travelling all night, and has brought the two little ones with her.”
“I’ll be down directly,” said Mrs Portlock; “but what is the matter?”
“Trouble, trouble, trouble,” said the Churchwarden, slowly. “Hang the laws. I’d give something if I could take her away from him, and keep her at home, children and all. It would come a deal cheaper, old lady.”
“Oh, but you are too hard on him, Joseph, indeed you are. Cyril is very, very fond of her and his children.”
“Bah! I never knew him fond of anything but himself, and what money he could get.”