"Poor John! He
must be suffering to be so still and yet so cross."
One day she went to Harlow House to see her mother and she spoke to her
about John's crossness. Then she found that John had Mrs. Harlow's
thorough sympathy.
"Think of the thousands of pounds he has lost, Jane. For my part I
wonder he has a temper of any kind left; and all those families on his
hands, as it were. I am sure it is no wonder he is cross at times. Your
father would not have been to live with at all."
"I hope you have not lost much, mother."
"O Jane, how could I help losing? Well then, I have been glad I could
give. When hungry children _look_ at you, they do not need to speak. My
God, Jane! You must have seen that look--if it was in Martha's eyes----"
Jane caught her breath with a cry, "O mother! Mother! Do not say such
words! I should die!"
"Yes. Many mothers did die. It was like a knife in their heart. When did
you see John's mother?"
"The day the children came from Metwold."
"Did you speak to her?"
"No.
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