human
Warmth we must have, somehow. Anything to keep the fire alight.
gpt
Why so, sir? asked the old man
human
The fire's been flickering down this many a year. Why not let it go out quietly, at three-score years and ten? You're sure my maid don't know?
gpt
No; I am not going to get well; so don't you waste your time on me, sirs! I'm taken while doing my duty, as I hoped to be. And I've lived to see my maid do hers, as I knew she would, when the Lord called on her. I have,--but don't tell her, she's well employed, and has sorrows enough already, some that you'll know of some day--
human
You must not talk,
gpt
Yes, but I must, sir. I've no time to lose. If you'd but go and see after those poor Heales, and come again. I'd like to have one word with Mr. Headley; and my time runs short.
human
A hundred, if you will,
gpt
And now, sir, when they were alone,
human
and Willis tried vainly to make his usual salutation; but the cramped hand refused to obey,--
gpt
What is it?
human
Only don't be hard on the people, sir; the people here. They're good-hearted souls, with all their sins, if you'll only take them as you find them, and consider that they've had no chance.
gpt
Willis, Willis, don't talk of that! I shall be a wiser man henceforth, I trust. At least I shall not trouble Aberalva long.
human
Oh, sir, don't talk so; and you just getting a hold of them!
gpt
I?
human
Yes, you, sir. They've found you out at last, thank God. I always knew what you were and said it. They've found you out in the last week; and there's not a man in the town but what would die for you, I believe.
gpt
Ah! then these men see that a High Churchman can work like any one else, when there is a practical sacrifice to be made. Now I have a standing ground which no one can dispute from which to go on, and enforce my idea of what he ought to be.