"They are not my guests to-night," was his quiet answer, as he gave his arm to Mildred.
Travice came running out. "Oh, papa, let me go with you!"
"Get your trencher, then."
He stuck the college cap on his head and went leaping on, through the gates and up the street, just in the manner that college boys like to leap. Mr. Arkell and Mildred followed more soberly, speaking of indifferent things. Mildred began talking of Mr. Carr.
"How well he wears!" she said. "Peter tells me he has retired from business."
"These three or four years past. He did wisely. Those who keep on manufacturing, only do it at a loss."
"You keep it on, William."
"I know. But serious thoughts occur to me now and then of the wisdom of retiring. There are reasons against it, though. Were I to give up business, we should have to live in a very different style from what we do now; for my income would be but a small one, and that would not suit Mrs. Arkell. Besides, I really could not bear to turn my workmen adrift. There are too many unemployed already in the town; and I am always hoping, against my conviction, that times will mend."
"But if you only make to lose, how would the retiring from business lessen your income?"
William laughed. "Well, Mildred, of course I do get something still by my business; but in speaking of the bad times, we are all apt to make the worst of it. I dare say I make about half what we spend; but that you know, compared to the profits of old days, is as nothing."