After a while she began to talk about
her baby, but shyly, and with much hesitation. She asked me how
much I thought she could earn as a dressmaker, by working very,
very hard; and that brought us round to her child. I thought of
what you had said, Thurstan, and I tried to speak to her as you
wished me. I am not sure if it was right; I am doubtful in my own
mind still."
"Don't be doubtful, Faith! Dear Faith, I thank you for your
kindness."
"There is really nothing to thank me for. It is almost impossible
to help being kind to her; there is something so meek and gentle
about her, so patient, and so grateful!"
"What does she think of doing?"
"Poor child! she thinks of taking lodgings--very cheap ones, she
says; there she means to work night and day to earn enough for
her child. For she said to me; with such pretty earnestness, 'It
must never know want, whatever I do. I have deserved suffering,
but it will be such a little innocent darling!' Her utmost
earnings would not be more than seven or eight shillings a week,
I'm afraid; and then she is so young and so pretty!"
"There is that fifty pounds Mrs. Morgan brought me, and those two
letters. Does she know about them yet?"
"No; I did not like to tell her till she is a little stronger.
Oh, Thurstan! I wish there was not this prospect of a child. I
cannot help it. I do--I could see a way in which we might help
her, if it were not for that.
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