"Girdlestone and Co.
are not an insurance office.

The labourer is worthy of his hire, but when his work in this world is over, his family must fall back upon what has been saved by his industry and thrift.

It would be a dangerous precedent for us to allow pensions to the wives of these sailors, for it would deprive the others of all motive for laying their money by, and would indirectly encourage vice and dissipation." Ezra laughed, and continued to rattle his silver and keys.
"It is not upon this matter that I desired to speak to you," Girdlestone continued.

"It has, however, always been my practice to prefer matters of business to private affairs, however pressing.

John Harston is said to be dying, and he has sent a message to me saying that he wishes to see me.