I thought he might a' left you a hundred pounds.' 'Mother, don't talk about it till you've had time to think,' said Richard, stubbornly.

'If this is bad news, what the deuce would you call good?
Just because I've been born and bred a mechanic, does that say I've got no common sense or self-respect?
Are you afraid I shall go and drink myself to death?
You talk like the people who make it their business to sneer at us--the improvidence of the working classes, and such d--d slander.

It's good news for me, and it'll be good news for many another man.

Wait and see.' The mother became silent, keeping her lips tight, and struggling to regain her calmness.

She was not convinced, but in argument with her eldest son she always gave way, affection and the pride she had in him aiding her instincts of discretion.