It was true he had got drunk--the words sounded terrible to Adela from the young lips--but he vowed that henceforth he would touch no liquor.

It was ruin to the family to be sent away; Rendal might not find work for long enough; there would be nothing for it but to go to a Belwick slum as long as their money lasted, and thence to the workhouse.

For it was well understood that no man who had worked at New Wanley need apply to the ordinary employers; they would have nothing to do with him.

The mother would have come herself, but could not walk the distance.
Adela was pierced with compassion.
'I will do my best,' she said, as soon as she could trust her voice.

'I promise you I will do my best.' She could not say more, and the children evidently hoped she would have been able to grant their father's pardon forthwith.