“He has been a little wild, sir,” replied Polly, checking the baby, who was making convulsive efforts with his arms and legs to launch himself on Biler, through the ambient air, “and has gone with wrong companions; but I hope he has seen the misery of that, sir, and will do well again.”
When Mr. Carker had concluded his visit, as he made his way among the crowding children to the door, Rob retreated on his mother, and took her and the baby in the same repentant hug.
“I’ll try hard, dear mother, now. Upon my soul I will!” said Rob.
“Oh, do, my dear boy! I am sure you will, for our sakes and your own!” cried Polly, kissing him. “But you’re coming back to speak to me, when you have seen the gentleman away?”
“I don’t know, mother.” Rob hesitated, and looked down. “Father—when’s he coming home?”
“Not till two o’clock to-morrow morning.”
“I’ll come back, mother, dear!” cried Rob. And passing through the shrill cry of his brothers and sisters in reception of this promise, he followed Mr. Carker out.
“What!” said Mr. Carker, who had heard this. “You have a bad father, have you?”
“No, sir!” returned Rob, amazed. “There ain’t a better nor a kinder father going than mine is.”
“Why don’t you want to see him, then?” asked his patron.