His mother especially was glad to have him under the same roof once more at night.
But Willie felt that something ought to be done with the room he had left in the ruins, for nothing ought to be allowed to spoil by uselessness.

He did not, however, see for some time to what he could turn it.
I need hardly say that he kept up all his old friendships.

No day passed while he was at home without his going to see some one of his former companions--Mr Willett, or Mr Spelman, or Mr Wilson.

For Hector, he went to see him oftenest of all, he being his favourite, and sickly, and therefore in most need of attention.

But he greatly improved his acquaintance with William Webster; and although he had now so much to occupy him, would not be satisfied until he was able to drive the shuttle, and work the treadles and the batten, and, in short, turn out almost as good a bit of linen as William himself--only he wanted about twice as much time to it.
One day, going in to see Hector, he found him in bed and very poorly.
"My shoemaking is nearly over, Mr Willie," he said.