“Three sixpences would be nearer the mark, sir. Why, Jem and Sam and Nicholas, our men, wouldn’t eat and drink a third of that in seven whole days.”
“Never mind your men, Mrs. Jennifer.”
“Not mind them! And where should we be in six months, the lazy loons! No, I tell you, sir.”
John Gore tried her on another quarter.
“Very well, Mrs. Winnie, take the money and put it in a stocking for your boy.”
“But, sir—”
“Take it, or turn me out of the door. I hold to your good-will and your trust with all my heart, but live on you I will not, just because I happened to pull the youngster out of the pond.”
The woman gave the fire three more pokes.
“I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, sir.”
“Then you will put the money aside for the child’s sake.”