"I told you true when I said I
wasn't without money; and, before the pinch comes, wages, I dare say,
will show their color again. Besides, our week's rent is paid. And he's
in good quarters, poor fellow, though with a bad pain to keep him
company, I'm afraid"
"Where do you live?" asked Hector "But," he went on, "why should I ask?
I am as poor as you--poorer, perhaps, for I have no trade to fall back
upon. But I have a good wife like you, and I don't doubt she'll think of
something."
"Trust to that, sir! A good woman like I'm sure she is 'll be sure to
think of many a thing before she'll give in. My husband, he was brought
up to religion, and he always says there's one as know's and don't
forget." But now the omnibus had reached the spot where Hector must
leave it. He got up, fumbling for his threepenny-piece, but failed to
find it.
"Don't forget your hat, sir; it'll come all right when it's dry," said
the woman, as she handed it to him. But he stood, the conductor waiting,
and seemed unable to take it from her: he could not find the little
coin!
"There, there, sir!" interposed the woman, as she made haste and handed
him three coppers; "I have plenty for both of us, and wish for your sake
it was a hundred times as much. Take it, sir," she insisted, while
Hector yet hesitated and fumbled; "you won't refuse such a small service
from another of God's creatures! I mean it well."
But the conductor, apparently affected with the same generosity, pushed
back the woman's hand, saying, "No, no, ma'am, thank you! The gentleman
'll pay me another day.
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