"'They're not clean,' says he. 'I've been haulin' marl for Springer this week. He paid me to-night; the money's in the kitchen-cupboard.'
"I looked up at that, for it was work I'd never put him to.
"'It'll buy thee new shoes,' said I.
"'I did it for you, mother,' he says, suddint, puttin' his hand over his eyes. 'I wish things were different with you.'
"'Yes, Derrick.'
"I went on with my knittin'; for I never talked much to him, for the shame of my bad words, since he'd learned better. But I wondered what he meant; for wages was high that winter, an' I was doin' well.
"'If ever,' he says, speakin' low an' faster, 'if ever I do anything that gives you pain, you'll know it was for love of you I did it. Not for myself, God knows! To make things different for you.'
"'Yes, Derrick,' I says, knittin' on, for I didn't understan' thin. Afterwards I did. The room was dark, an' it were dead quiet for a bit; then the lad moved to the door.
"'Where be thee goin', Derrick?' I said.
"He come back an' leaned on my chair.