You wouldn't mind, I daresay, being my agent for Dunfield--for the fire-escape, you know?
I'll communicate with you, don't fear.' A hot meal in the middle of the day was a luxury long unknown to Hood.
Now and again the thought of what he was doing flashed across him, but mere bodily solace made his conscience dull.

As the meal proceeded he even began to justify himself.

Was he never to know an hour's enjoyment?
Was his life to be unbroken hardship?
What if he had borrowed a few shillings without leave; somehow difficulties would be got over; why, at the very worst, Emily would gladly lend him a pound.

He began to talk of Emily, to praise her, to wax warm in the recounting of her goodness, her affection.

What man living had so clever and so loving a daughter! 'It's what I said, Hood,' put in Cheeseman, with a shake of the head.
'You've left me behind.