Or they may creep close enough the rock,
only to find they have delayed over their hobbling progression until
the rock is already so crowded by others who have been bolder over the
stones as to show no foothold remaining. They leap and fall back.
We are all gifted with strength sufficient for that spring; but
disaster awaits him who scatters his energies in a hundred hesitating
little scrambles.
Now George sprang; poised upon that last "because."
"And because--I wish--" He sprang--"Therefore I suggest that I should
go to town to-day and search every agency until I find you a lady I
think suitable."
The thud of his landing knocked the breath out of him. In terror he
lay lest Mr. Marrapit's answering words should have the form of
desperate fellows who would hurl him from his hold, throw him back.
"I agree," Mr. Marrapit said.
George was drawn to his feet. He could have whooped for joy.
"I agree. I have misjudged you. In this matter I lay my trust in you.
Take it, tend it, nurse it; cherish it so that it may not be returned
to me cold and dead. Speed forth."
"Have I a free hand?" George asked.
"Emphatically no. Every effort must be made to keep down expenses.
Here are two shillings. Render account. As to salary--"
George burst out: "Oh, she'll come for anything.
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