He was wet through when he reached his home, and the house-keeper met him with a face full of disapproval. "It isn't right, sir, nor what's to be expected, sir, with a stable full of horses, and a groom that lazy as it would be good for him to hev to wait a bit, and get well wet."
"It would be varry wrong, Mrs. Knowles, if I kept man and beast waiting in the storm for me while I was eating and drinking and heving a good time. And if I get wet through, I can hev dry clothes and a drop o' something warm to make me comfortable, and if I get cold I can grumble about it, and I hev a first-rate house-keeper to see that I get my hot gruels, and my bit o' good eating; but it's different with t' poor beasts—now isn't it?"
In fact, Jonathan was in a kind mood with all the world that night Even Steve Benson came in for a few pitying thoughts, although he was very justly angry at Steve for his defection and ingratitude. "He's a poor silly lad, and he's none fit for a weaving-room; and if Sarah will only wed me, I'll set him up in some other way." Across his mind there came a thought of an American farm. It might be the salvation of
