'George, I'm going to cheer mother up by telling her what a nice house we have had offered to us,' said Sarah, full of the new plans.
'I don't fancy anything will cheer mother while father lies there in that condition. However, she will be glad that Sykes has shown himself loyal,' replied George, who was just going down to the mills.
Mrs Clay had been sitting by her husband the whole of the day, and no power could induce her to leave him; but now Mr Howroyd had persuaded her to come and take some food. The two met George and Sarah in the passage.
'Going out, George? What are you living on to-day—air or excitement? Don't you know it's dinner-time?' he exclaimed when he saw that his nephew had his hat in his hand and was evidently going out.
'I was just going to the mills, uncle. I shall be back in half-an-hour,' said George.
'What are you going to do there? They are shut up, and Luke Mickleroyd and the other watchmen are in charge. Come and have some food, lad; it will help your mother to eat if she sees you eating. You must all badly want something; you've starved all day.'
George Clay put down his hat, remarking, 'I had no idea it was so late.—Come, mother, take my arm.'
'Mother, we have something so nice to tell you,' said Sarah, speaking in a gentler voice than was her wont to her mother.
''Ave you, my dear?' said Mrs Clay indifferently.
'Yes; we've got a house for you to live in already.'