Why did he not come down? Or why did not Job go? The
supper would be spoilt.
But Job had no notion of going.
"You see my folly is this, Mary. I would take what I could get; I
think half a loaf is better than no bread. I would work for low
wages rather than sit idle and starve. But, comes the Trades'
Union, and says, 'Well, if you take the half-loaf, we'll worry you
out of your life. Will you be clemmed, or will you be worried?'
Now clemming is a quiet death, and worrying isn't, so I choose
clemming, and come into th' Union. But I'd wish they'd leave me
free, if I am a fool."
Creak, creak, went the stairs. Her father was coming down at last.
Yes, he came down, but more doggedly fierce than before, and made up
for his journey, too; with his little bundle on his arm. He went up
to Job, and, more civilly than Mary expected, wished him good-bye.
He then turned to her, and in a short cold manner, bade her
farewell.
"Oh! father, don't go yet. Your supper is all ready. Stay one
moment."
But he pushed her away, and was gone.
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