ffer, and
most people would have accepted it with joy; but the pious mother
recollected that Mr. Blake was one who declared himself to be without
religion; and she could not think of leaving her little boy to such a
man. Accordingly she thanked Mrs. Blake for her kind offer--for a very
kind offer it was--and said that she should feel obliged to her till
her dying moment.

"'But,' added she, 'I cannot accept of your friendship for my little
boy, as I have a very dear Friend who would be disobliged if I did so.'

"Mrs. Blake turned red, and was offended; for she had never once
thought it possible that Marten's mother should refuse her offer; and
Mrs. Short lifted up her hands and eyes, and looked as if she thought
the poor sick woman little better than a fool.

"'Well,' said Mrs. Blake, 'I am surprised, I must confess. However, you
must know your own affairs best; but this I must say, that I think
Marten may live long enough without having such another offer.'

"'And I must say that you are standing in the child's way,' said Mrs.
Short. 'Why, Mr. Blake can do ten times more for the child than his
father could have done, had he lived a hundred years; and I think it
very ungrateful and foolish in you to make such a return for Mr. and
Mrs. Blake's kindness.'

"'And pray,' said Mrs. Blake, 'who is this dear Friend who would be so
much disobliged by your allowing us to take the boy?'

"'I suppose it is Squire Broom,' said Mrs. Short; 'for who else can it
be?'

"'Yes,' said Mrs. Blake, 'I have no doubt it is, for Mr. Broom never
loved my husband. But,' added she, looking at Marten's mother, 'you do
very wrong if you think Mr. Broom could do as much for the child (even
if he were willing) as my husband. Mr. Broom is not rich, and he has a
great many children; whereas Mr. Blake has a very handsome fortune, and
no near relation in the world. However, as you have once refused, I do
not think I would take the boy now if you were to ask me.'

"'I am very sorry,' answered Marten's mother, 'to appear unthankful to
you; and perhaps, as I am a dying woman, I ought to tell you the true
reason of my refusing your offer, though it may make you angry. I do
not doubt but that you would be kind to little Marten, and I know that
you have more to give him than his father could have had.'

"She then, in a very delicate manner, hinted at Mr. Blake's irreligious
opinions, and acknowledged that it was on the account of these that she
had