"They've been down on a great number lately, but what can I do? We always come back to that. I haven't the health to work round from race-course to race-course as I used to. But I've got an idea, Esther. I've been thinking over things a great deal lately, and--give me my pipe--there, it's just by you. Now, hold the candle, like a good girl." William pulled at his pipe until it was fully lighted. He threw himself on his back, and then he said-- "I've been thinking things over. The betting 'as brought us a nice bit of trade here. If we can work up the business a bit more we might, let's say in a year from now, be able to get as much for the 'ouse as we gave.... What do you think of buying a business in the country, a 'ouse doing a steady trade? I've had enough of London, the climate don't suit me as it used to. I fancy I should be much better in the country, somewhere on the South Coast. Bournemouth way, what do you think?" Before Esther could reply William was taken with a fit of coughing, and his great broad frame was shaken as if it were so much paper. "I'm sure," said Esther, when he had recovered himself a little, "that a good deal of your trouble comes from that pipe. It's never out of your mouth.... I feel like choking myself." "I daresay I smoke too much.... I'm not the man I was. I can feel it plain enough. Put my pipe down and blow out the candle.... I didn't ask you how Sarah was." "Very bad. She was half dazed and didn't tell me much." "She didn't tell you where she had pledged the plate?" "No, I will ask her about that to-morrow morning." Leaning forward she blew out the candle. The wick smouldered red for a moment, and they fell asleep happy in each other's love, seeming to find new bonds of union in pity for their friend's misfortune. XXXIX "Sarah, you must make an effort and try to dress yourself." "Oh, I do feel that bad, I wish I was dead!" "You must not give way like that; let me help you put on your stockings." Sarah looked at Esther. "You're very good to me, but I can manage." When she had drawn on her stockings her strength was exhausted, and she fell back on the pillow. Esther waited a few minutes. "Here're your petticoats. Just tie them round you; I'll lend you a dressing-gown and a pair of slippers." William was having breakfast in the parlour. "Well, feeling a bit poorly?" he said to Sarah. "What'll you have? There's a nice bit of fried fish. Not feeling up to it?" "Oh, no! I couldn't touch anything." She let herself drop on the sofa. "A cup of tea'll do you good," said Esther. "You must have a cup of tea, and a bit of toast just to nibble. William, pour her out a cup of tea." When she had drunk the tea she said she felt a little better. "Now," said William, "let's 'ear all about it. Esther has told you, no doubt, that we intend to do all we can to help you." "You can't help me.... I'm done for," she replied dolefully.