Oh, Thurstan! I wish there was not this prospect of a child.

I cannot help it.

I do--I could see a way in which we might help her, if it were not for that." "How do you mean ?" "Oh, it's no use thinking of it, as it is! Or else we might have taken her home with us, and kept her till she had got a little dress-making in the congregation, but for this meddlesome child; that spoils everything.

You must let me grumble to you, Thurstan.
I was very good to her, and spoke as tenderly and respectfully of the little thing as if it were the Queen's, and born in lawful matrimony." "That's right, my dear Faith! Grumble away to me, if you like.

I'll forgive you, for the kind thought of taking her home with us.