Mr. Spriggins sat for some moments and then informing the solicitor that he had some business at the insurance office rose to take leave.
"I suppose you have heard of Mr. Verne's illness?" ventured Mr.
Lawson.
"Yes, sir, Melindy and meself was a-talkin' the hull thing over last night. He is a fine gentleman, sir,—and the young lady—I'm so glad she's back again. Ah! she's a fine girl, sir. I bet the old gentleman will be all right now, for the sight of her face is bettern' all the medicine in all the poth'cary consarns in St John."
What a temptation presented itself to the young man. He could easily ask the honest-hearted fellow about his interview with Mr. Verne, and of the effect upon him; also the nature of the conversation.
That Moses Spriggins formed a connecting link in some future disclosure he was doubly convinced, but it must come about by an established order of things; and the young lawyer thanked God that he was given sufficient strength to withstand the power of the tempter.
When Mr. Lawson went home that evening he received the full benefit of the information imparted to Miss Lottie.
It had been arranged that the latter should assist in the selection of the indispensable trousseau, and this was indeed a source of delight.
Mr. Spriggins came to town many times ere he could suit himself in a brand-new suit of clothes, also some new furniture to make things look "kinder nobby."
Nell Spriggins had been married some weeks previous, and as she had borne away her "fit out," there were many vacant corners in the Spriggins homestead, which of course fell to the lot of Moses to restore in due order.
But Mr. Spriggins was equal to the occasion.