Sidney, mastering his own wretchedness, which he could not altogether conceal, made attempts to strengthen her.
'When things are at the worst they begin to mend,' he said.

'It can't be much longer before he gets work.

And look here, Mrs.Hewett, I won't hear a word against it; you must and shall let me lend you something to go on with!' 'I dursn't, I dursn't, Sidney! John won't have it.

He's always a-saying: "Once begin that, an' it's all up; you never earn no more of your own." It's one of his fancies, an' you know it is.

You'll only make trouble, Sidney.' 'Well, all I can say is, he's an unreasonable and selfish man!' 'No, no; John ain't selfish! Never say that! It's only his fancies, Sidney.' 'Well, there's one trouble you'd better get rid of, at all events.