Helps drew a deep sigh. It was a damp drizzling night, and he was tired.
"Can't you let me be this time, Essie?" he said.
"No, father, no, you must come to-night."
"But I can't do nothing for the poor fellows. I pity them, of course, but what can I do?"
"Nothing, only come to the meeting."
"But what for, Essie?"
"To please me, if for no other reason."
"Oh, if you put it in that way."
"Yes, I put it that way. You needn't take off your great coat. I'll have my cloak and bonnet on again in a jiffy."