Adela was rather surprised
to see them in the garden. They were eight and nine years old
respectively, and she noticed that both had a troubled countenance,
the elder showing signs of recent tears. She sought them out
particularly for kind words during tea-time. After the reading she
noticed them standing apart, talking to each other earnestly; she
saw also that they frequently glanced at her. It occurred to her
that they might wish to say something and had a difficulty in
approaching. She went to them, and a question or two soon led the
elder girl to disclose that she was indeed desirous of speaking in
private. Giving a hand to each, she drew them a little apart. Then
both children began to cry, and the elder sobbed out a pitiful
story. Their mother was wretchedly ill and had sent them to implore
Mrs. Mutimer's good word that the father might be allowed another
chance. It was true he had got drunk--the words sounded terrible to
Adela from the young lips--but he vowed that henceforth he would
touch no liquor. It was ruin to the family to be sent away; Rendal
might not find work for long enough; there would be nothing for it
but to go to a Belwick slum as long as their money lasted, and
thence to the workhouse. For it was well understood that no man who
had worked at New Wanley need apply to the ordinary employers; they
would have nothing to do with him.
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