Mrs. Thorpe beckoned us all out of the room, and left the friends together. Kesiah Lee was standing on the landing-place.
"He will comfort him if any one can," she whispered. "It is Mr. Wesley, himself."
[CHAPTER XII.]
THE FUNERAL.
MRS. Thorpe sent us young ones down stairs to our breakfast, and presently came down herself, and carried away a cup of tea, and some biscuits.
"Mr. Wesley has persuaded the poor man to lie down and take some food!" said she. "'Tis wonderful to see the power he has over him."
"You ought to take something yourself, Mrs. Thorpe!" said Mrs. Crump, who was presiding at the table. "You will be ill, and have a turn of spasms again, if you keep on your feet so, without eating anything."
"I am coming down directly to give Mr. Wesley his breakfast, and then if Rebecca thinks she can manage with Mary Lee's help in the shop, I will lie down a bit. I am weary, that is the truth. Betty Humble will finish sewing the trimming on those short coats for Mrs. Thistlewood's baby, and mind it is done neatly, my girl."
She went away as she spoke, carrying the tray she had prepared. Betty looked anything but satisfied.