“For shame, Joseph!” cried Mrs Portlock. “How can you!”
“Well, all I can say is that it’s a blessing he was shut up where he could do no further mischief.”
“But it’s so dreadful for the bairns.”
“Tchah! not it. They can’t help it, bless ’em. See how they’ve improved since they have been down here.”
“Well, yes, they have,” said Mrs Portlock, “and Sage’s a deal better.”
“Better, poor lassie! I should think she is. Of course, she frets after him a bit now and then, and feels the disgrace a good deal, but, bless my soul, mother, she’s like a new woman compared to what she was. For my part, I hope they’ll never let him out again.”
“For shame, Joseph!” said Mrs Portlock. “Mr Mallow was over here this morning.”
“Was he? Ah, I’ll be bound to say he wanted to take the bairns over to the rectory.”
“Yes, and he took them.”
“Hah!” said the farmer, sharply. “I’m very sorry for the poor old lady, but I am glad that she is so ill that she can’t bear to have them much.”