She therefore took up the money which Mrs.Whitney had laid on the counter and, without a word, left the shop.
"I do believe, William," she said as, greatly ruffled and indignant, she gave an account of the interview to the squire, "that the woman would have slapped my face, if I had said anything.
She is the most insolent creature I ever met." "Well, my dear," the squire said seriously, "I can hardly wonder at the poor woman's indignation.

She has had a hard time of it, and this must be a sad blow.

Naturally she believes in her son's innocence, and we must not altogether blame her, if she resents his dismissal.

It's a sad business altogether, and I know it will be a worry and trouble to me for months.

Mind, I don't doubt that the boy did it; it does not seem possible that it should be otherwise.
Still, it is not absolutely proved; and upon my word, I wish now I had said nothing at all about it.