I was fancying that I should hear from you to-day;
for what think you has happened? My Lord himself, his family
and train, have all been in state to visit the works, and I
had to show them. Queer that, wasn't it? He offered me money
when it was over. How much I know not, I would not look at
it. Though to be sure, they were perhaps my own rents, eh?
But I pointed to the sick box and his own dainty hand
deposited the sum there."
"'Tis very strange. And you were with him face to face?"
"Face to face. Had you brought me news of the papers, I
should have thought that providence had rather a hand in it--
but now, we are still at sea."
"Still at sea," said Morley musingly, "but he lives and
prospers. He will turn up yet, Walter."
"Amen! Since you have taken up this thing, Stephen, it is
strange how my mind has hankered after the old business, and
yet it ruined my father, and mayhap may do as bad for his
son."
"We will not think that," said Morley. "At present we will
think of other things. You may guess I am a bit wearied; I
think I'll say good night; you have strangers with you."
"Nay, nay man; nay. This Franklin is a likely lad enough; I
think you will take to him.
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