being too
great; but when I looked in your face, and saw the blood up to your
forehead, I did feel a little suspicious, I must own; but I beg your
pardon, Jacob; no one can look in your face now and not see that you are
innocent. I believe all you say, in spite of the old woman and--the
devil to boot--and there's my hand upon it."

"Why not tell--why not tell?" muttered Mrs Beazeley, shaking her head,
and working at her net faster than ever.

But I had resolved to tell, and did so, narrating distinctly the
circumstances by which the money had been obtained. I did it, however,
with feelings of mortification which I cannot express. I felt
humiliation--I felt that, for my own wants, that money I never could
touch. Still my explanation had the effect of removing the doubts even
of Mrs Beazeley, and harmony was restored. The money was accepted by
the old couple, and promised to be applied for the purpose intended.

"As for me, Jacob," said Tom, "when I say I thank you, you know I mean
it. Had I had the money, and you had wanted it, you will believe me
when I say that I would have given it to you."

"That I'm sure of, Tom."

"Still, Jacob, it is a great deal of money, and I shall lay by my
earnings as fast as I can, that you may have it in case you want it; but
it will take many a heavy pull and many a shirt wet with labour before I
can make up a sum like that."

I did not stay much longer after this little fracas; I was hurt--my
pride was wounded by suspicion, and fortunate it was that the occurrence
had not taken place previous to my meeting with Mrs Drummond and Sarah,
otherwise no reconciliation would have taken place in that quarter. How
much are we the sport of circumstances, and how insensibly they mark out
our career in this world? With the best intentions we go wrong;
instigated by unworthy motives, we fall upon our feet, and the chapter
of accidents has more power over the best regulated mind than all the
chapters in the Bible.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

HOW I WAS REVENGED UPON MY ENEMIES--WE TRY THE BARS OF MUSIC BUT FIND
THAT WE ARE BARRED OUT--BEING NO GO, WE GO BACK.

I shook hands with Tom, who perceiving that I was vexed, had accompanied
me down to the boat, with his usual sympathy, and had offered to pull
with me to Fulham, and walk back; which offer I declined, as I wished to
be alone. It was a fine moonlight night, and the broad light and
shadow, with the stillness of all around, were pe