Soon after this, there was another knock at the door.
Harold started from his repose, and growled. Warner rose, and
saying. "they have come for the rent. Thank God, I am
ready," advanced and opened the door. Two men offered with
courtesy to enter.
"We are strangers," said he who took the lead, "but would not
be such. I speak to Warner?"
"My name."
"And I am your spiritual pastor, if to be the vicar of Mowbray
entitles me to that description."
"Mr St Lys."
"The same. One of the most valued of my flock, and the most
influential person in this district, has been speaking much of
you to me this morning. You are working for him. He did not
hear of you on Saturday night; he feared you were ill. Mr
Barber spoke to me of your distress, as well as of your good
character. I came to express to you my respect and my
sympathy, and to offer you my assistance."
"You are most good, sir, and Mr Barber too, and indeed, an
hour ago, we were in as great straits--."
"And are now, sir," exclaimed his wife interrupting him. "I
have been in this bed a-week, and may never rise from it
again; the children have no clothes; they are pawned;
everything is pawned; this morning we had neither fuel, nor
food.
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