Why did not Hayes discard the boy altogether?
Because, if he did so, he was really afraid of his life, and because he trembled before Mrs.Hayes, his lady, as the leaf trembles before the tempest in October.

His breath was not his own, but hers; his money, too, had been chiefly of her getting,--for though he was as stingy and mean as mortal man can be, and so likely to save much, he had not the genius for GETTING which Mrs.Hayes possessed.

She kept his books (for she had learned to read and write by this time), she made his bargains, and she directed the operations of the poor-spirited little capitalist.

When bills became due, and debtors pressed for time, then she brought Hayes's own professional merits into play.

The man was as deaf and cold as a rock; never did poor tradesmen gain a penny from him; never were the bailiffs delayed one single minute from their prey.