The periods, therefore, of his mother's martyrdom were those of Paul's enfranchisement.

If he saw his stepfather come down the street with steady gait, he fled in terror; if he saw him reeling homeward he lingered about with light and joyous heart.
The brood of young Buttons was fed spasmodically and clad at random, but their meals were regular and their raiment well assorted compared with Paul's.

Naturally they came in for clouts and thumps like all the children in Budge Street; it was only Paul who underwent organized chastisement.

The little Buttons often did wrong; but in the mother's eyes Paul could never do right.

In an animal way she was fond of the children of Button, and in a way equally animal she bore a venomous dislike to the child of Kegworthy.