'It's not our business to judge his treatment of his employés. He was a very liberal father to us,' said George.
'You are not so hard-hearted'——began Sarah; but a prolonged ringing at the telephone interrupted her.
'It's mother,' she announced, 'and she's calling for you.'
George went and listened. 'Father is conscious, and has asked for us,' he cried, and his face lightened.
'I'm very glad,' replied Sarah quietly; but her face showed no such joy as her brother's. It is to be feared that where her father was concerned Sarah was somewhat hard-hearted.
'We must go at once,' said her brother, taking up his hat.
'I don't think you ought to leave the mill till the dinner-hour. The bell will ring in a quarter of an hour. Can't you wait till then?' objected Sarah, who, as is seen, was more business-like than her brother, thanks to her intercourse with her uncle Howroyd.
'Perhaps you are right. Then you had better go, and say I will be there almost directly,' he suggested.
Sarah started with mingled feelings. She was glad, really glad, that her father had recovered consciousness, and was therefore, she supposed, getting better; but the fact was, Sarah felt very resentful and sore that he had made himself so hated, and she walked very slowly along the streets that separated her father's mills from Mr Howroyd's.
''E knows me, Sarah!' cried her mother, whose face was transfigured with joy. 'Thanks be to God, 'e knows me, my dear 'usband!'