He was as much stung by the delicately implied rebuke as touched by the solicitude as to his future welfare.

Romantic words, such as he had read in the story-books, surged vaguely in his head, but he could find none to utter.

He kept silent for a few moments, his hand in his breeches pocket.

Presently he drew it forth rather slowly, and held out the precious cornelian heart to his benefactor.
"I 'ud like to give it thee," said Paul.
Barney Bill took it.

"Thank 'ee, sonny.