w afterwards how
low the spirit has grovelled. I had gone to him then because I
had resolved to humble myself, and, for my wife's sake, to ask my
friend--for money. With words which were very awkward,--which no
doubt were ungracious,--I had asked him, and he had bid me follow
him from his hall into his library. There he left me awhile, and on
returning told me with a smile that he had sent for money,--and, if I
can remember, the sum he named was fifty pounds."

"But it has turned out, as you say, that you have paid fifty pounds
with his money,--besides the cheque."

"That is true;--that is quite true. There is no doubt of that. But
as I was saying,--then he fell to talking about the books, and I was
angered. I was very sore in my heart. From the moment in which the
words of beggary had passed from my lips, I had repented. And he had
laughed and had taken it gaily. I turned upon him and told him that I
had changed my mind. I was grateful, but I would not have his money.
And so I prepared to go. But he argued with me, and would not let me
go,--telling me of my wife and of my children, and while he argued
there came a knock at the door, and something was handed in, and I
knew that it was the hand of his wife."

"It was the money, I suppose?"

"Yes, Mr. Toogood; it was the money. And I became the more uneasy,
because she herself is rich. I liked it the less because it seemed to
come from her hand. But I took it. What could I do when he reminded
me that I could not keep my parish unless certain sums were paid?
He gave me a little parcel in a cover, and I took it,--and left him
sorrowing. I had never before come quite to that;--though, indeed, it
had in fact been often so before. What was the difference whether the
alms were given into my hands or into my wife's?"

"You are too touchy about it all, Mr. Crawley."

"Of course I am. Do you try it, and see whether you will be touchy.
You have worked hard at your profession, I daresay."

"Well, yes; pretty well. To tell the truth, I have worked hard. By
George, yes! It's not so bad now as it used to be."

"But you have always earned your bread; bread for yourself, and bread
for your wife and little ones. You can buy tickets for the play."

"I couldn't always buy tickets, mind you."

"I have worked as hard, and yet I cannot get bread. I am older than
you, and I cannot earn my bare bread. Look at my clothes. If you had
to go and beg from Mr. Crump, would not you be touch