He must go back home, of course, and never mind Hannah; there would come a time when he would get his chance like other people; and he mustn't drink, for, 'i' th' first place, drink wor a sad waste o' good wits,' and David's were 'better'n most;' and in the second, 'it wor a sin agen the Lord.' David sat with his head drooped in his hand apparently listening.
In reality, her gentle babble passed over him almost unheeded.

He was aching in mind and body; his strong youth, indeed, had but just saved him from complete physical collapse; for he had lain an indefinite time on the soaking moor, till misery and despair had driven him to Margaret's door.

But his moral equilibrium was beginning to return, in virtue of a certain resolution, the one thing which now stood between him and the black gulf of the night.
He ate his porridge and then he got up.
'I mun goo, Margaret.' He would fain have thanked her, but the words choked in his throat.
'Ay, soa yo mun, Davy,' said the little body briskly.

'If theer's an onpleasant thing to do it's best doon quickly--yo mun go back and do your duty.

Coom and see us when yo're passin again.