She completely broke down when she was told the news, and was still sobbing when Reuben arrived.
The schoolmaster at once took his leave, leaving mother and son together; and promised them to return in a day or two.

When he again came over, he saw at once that Mrs.Whitney was looking depressed and unhappy.
"What do you think, Mr.Shrewsbury?
Reuben says that he shall go abroad, out to Australia.

I have talked against it till I am hoarse, but it's no good.

I hope you will persuade him to give up such a mad idea." "I will hear what he has to say first, Mrs.Whitney.Reuben has generally a good deal to say for his side of a question, and I must hear his reasons before I can argue against them.
"Now, Reuben, what have you to say for yourself ?" "I made up my mind while I was in jail," Reuben replied, "that if I was acquitted, I would go right away.

These things stick to a man all through his life.