She got to her feet as quickly as she could, and held out her hand to him.

"You are a good man, and a friend worth having, I know, and I shall like you to be my friend, Mr.
Soolsby," she said impulsively.
He took her hand and shook it awkwardly, his lips working.

"Your grace, I understand.

I've got naught to live for except my friends.

Money's naught, naught's naught, if there isn't a friend to feel a crunch at his heart when summat bad happens to you.