Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/215

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BETWEEN TWO LOVES.

isn't going to be t' varry best thing iver happened Steve. Tak' my word for it, things will come right in t' long run."

"Oh, master! I hev given my whole life to t' lad, and now, it seems like t' ending is to be a prison, or maybe worse."

"But where would he hev been but for thee? Think of that. Sarah, it is for t' sick woman and for t' little childer, thou must take it;" and he laid a five-pound note upon the table.

"Thank thee, I'll take it I'm none above taking help when I can't help mysen any longer."

Early in the morning Burley went to see Steve Benson, The poor, miserable man was quite broken down with his misfortune; and in spite of his anger Jonathan could not help feeling a great pity for such a complete failure as Steve had proved. He had still the frank, open face, and the candid, careless manner which had always won him, not only favor with women, but a singular degree of toleration for men. Steve had undoubtedly been a lazy fellow, but he had not deteriorated as fast nor as badly in the society of nature as he would have done in the society of human beings of his own kind.