As for Hugh, he listened with considerable interest, listened and sat there, watching the play of emotions across the face of Brother Lu, and forming certain opinions of his own at the same time.
While they sat there a heavy knock came at the door.

Upon Matilda venturing to open the same a big man pushed his way inside, and started talking roughly in a loud, almost abusive tone.
Thad recognized him as a certain well-to-do farmer and dairyman who had an unenviable reputation as a cruel taskmaster with his hired help.

He was also known to be exceedingly harsh in his treatment of any with whom he had dealings, who chanced to be unable to meet their obligations to the minute.

Because he had been able to accumulate his "pile," Mr.Abel Bernard seemed to believe everyone should be capable of doing the same.

If they could not afford a thing they ought to do without it.