He was the owner of the poor tenement in which they lived.
"Have you heard from Foster since I was here last ?" said the man, with an unpleasant abruptness of manner.
"No sir, I have not," replied Mrs.Foster, in a low, timid voice, for she felt afraid of the man.
"When do you expect him home ?" "He will be here at New Year's." "Humph! Do you know whether he will bring any money ?" "I am sure I cannot tell; but I hope so." "He'd better;"-- the man spoke in a menacing tone--"for I don't intend waiting any longer for my rent." No reply was made to this.
"Will you tell your husband, when he returns, my good woman, what I have just said ?" "I will," was meekly replied.
"Very well.

If he doesn't come up to the notch then, I shall take my course.

It is simple and easy; so you had better be warned in time." And the man walked out as abruptly as he came in.

Mrs.Foster looked after him from the window, where she had continued standing, and saw him stop and look attentively at their cow, that stood waiting to be milked, at the door.

A faintness came over her heart, for she understood now, better than before, the meaning of his threats.
An hour after dark George came home with his hand in a sling.