Tales and Novels — Volume 02 eBook

His children assured him they should be able to earn money sufficient to maintain him, without injury to themselves, long before the end of the year; and they besought him to permit them to do so as soon as it was in their power; but he continued firm in his resolution, and made them solemnly promise they would obey his commands, and not even attempt to see him during the ensuing year.  He then took leave of them in a most affectionate manner, saying, “I know, my dearest children, I have now given you the strongest possible motive for industry and good conduct.  This day twelvemonth we shall meet again; and I hope it will be as joyful a meeting as this is a sorrowful parting.”  His children, with some difficulty, obtained permission to accompany him to his new abode.

The almshouses at Monmouth are far superior to common institutions of this kind; they are remarkably neat and comfortable little dwellings, and form a row of pretty cottages, behind each of which there is a garden full of gooseberries, currants, and a variety of useful vegetables.  These the old men cultivate themselves.  The houses are fitted up conveniently; and each individual is provided with every thing that he wants in his own habitation:  so that there is no opportunity or temptation for those petty disputes about property which often occur in charitable institutions that are not prudently conducted.  Poor people who have their goods in common must necessarily become quarrelsome.

“You see,” said old Frankland, pointing to the shining row of pewter on the clean shelf over the fire-place in his little kitchen; “you see I want for nothing here.  I am not much to be pitied.”

His children stood silent and dejected, whilst he dressed himself in the uniform belonging to the almshouse.  Before they parted, they all agreed to meet at this place that day twelvemonth, and to bring with them the earnings of the year; they had hopes that thus, by their united efforts, a sum might be obtained sufficient to place their father once more in a state of independence.  With these hopes they separated, and returned to their masters and mistresses.

CHAPTER IV.

Patty went to Mrs. Crumpe’s to get her clothes which she had left there, and to receive some months’ wages, which were still due for her services.  After what had passed, she had no idea that Mrs. Crumpe would wish she should stay with her; and she had heard of another place in Monmouth, which she believed would suit her in every respect.

The first person she saw, when she arrived at the house of her late mistress, was Martha, who, with a hypocritical length of face, said to her, “Sad news! sad news, Mrs. Patty!  The passion my lady was thrown into, by your going away so sudden, was of terrible detriment to her.  That very night she had a stroke of the palsy, and has scarce spoke since.”

“Don’t take it to heart, it is none of your fault:  don’t take it to heart, dear Patty,” said Betty, the housemaid, who was fond of Patty.  “What could you do but go to your brother?  Here, drink this water, and don’t blame yourself at all about the matter.  Mistress had a stroke sixteen months ago, afore ever you came into the house; and I dare say she’d have had this last whether you had stayed or gone.”