After some cogitation he hit upon the right sum.

I forget how much--be sure it was not over much; for money was scarce enough in this war-time; and besides, there was a belief afloat, so widely that it tainted even my worthy father, that plenty was not good for the working-classes; they required to be kept low.
Having settled the question of wages, which John Halifax did not debate at all, my father left us, but turned back when half-way across the green-turfed square.
"Thee said thee had no money; there's a week in advance, my son being witness I pay it thee; and I can pay thee a shilling less every Saturday till we get straight." "Very well, sir; good afternoon, and thank you." John took off his cap as he spoke--Abel Fletcher, involuntarily almost, touched his hat in return of the salutation.

Then he walked away, and we had the garden all to ourselves--we, Jonathan and his new-found David.
I did not "fall upon his neck," like the princely Hebrew, to whom I have likened myself, but whom, alas! I resembled in nothing save my loving.

But I grasped his hand, for the first time, and looking up at him, as he stood thoughtfully by me, whispered, "that I was very glad." "Thank you--so am I," said he, in a low tone.

Then all his old manner returned; he threw his battered cap high up in the air, and shouted out, "Hurrah!"-- a thorough boy.
And I, in my poor, quavering voice, shouted too..