She told him so, but Peter just laughed and said business was good, and he could afford it, and she was a fine advertisement for his store when she was dressed well." "All I know is," said mother, "that he goes there every whipstitch, and the women, at least, seem glad to have him.

He says Mr.Pryor treats him decently, and that is more than he does his own family and servants.

He and the girl and her mother are divided about something.
She treats her father respectfully, but she's in sympathy with mother." "Laddie can't find out what the trouble is ?" "I don't think that he tries." "Maybe he'd feel better not to know," said Peter.
"Possibly!" said mother.
"Nonsense!" said father.
"You seem to be reconciled," said Elizabeth.
"That girl would reconcile a man to anything," said father.
"Not to the loss of his soul, I hope," said mother stiffly.
"Souls are not so easy to lose," said father.

"Besides, I am counting on Laddie saving hers.".