"Some of the good people of the town who are interested in the welfare of Mr.Hosmer and his wife will object, and so Brother Lu may have to trudge along again." "I'm afraid you'll run up against a snag when you try that sort of thing, Hugh.

That snag will be the affection of Matilda.

She's _awfully_ tender-hearted, you can see, and would rather go hungry herself than that any one related to her should suffer, even a little.
Just think of that beast being installed in their home.

Every time he thinks it necessary to stir up a little extra sympathy he'll start that old gag of coughing to work again.

Oh! I feel as if I could willingly help duck him in Hobson's Mill-pond, or give him a ride out of town on a rail some fine night." Hugh had to laugh at hearing this honest outburst.
"No use talking, you don't seem to have much feeling for the woes of a poor old homeless tramp, Thad," he told his chum.
"Well, I haven't, if you want me to give you the honest truth," said Thad, bluntly; "in my humble opinion any husky man who is willing to loaf around and let a delicate woman like Matilda Hosmer labor for his support doesn't deserve a grain of pity.