Meanwhile he was unconsciously receiving a life-imprint of the old judge's native nobility.
From the first summer Sandy had held a good position at the post-office.

His first earnings had gone to a round little surgeon on board the steamship _America_.

But since then his funds had run rather low.

What he did not lend he contributed, and the result was a chronic state of bankruptcy.
"You must be careful with your earnings," the judge warned.

"It is not easy to live within an income." "Easier within it than without it, sir," Sandy answered from deep experience.
After the Lexington episode Sandy had shunned Martha somewhat; when he did go to see her, he found she was sick in bed.
"She never was strong," said Mrs.Meech, sitting limp and disconsolate on the porch.