"Why not, then? I'm sure he'll do anything he can." "He might be busy on his own account?" "He'll make time if he can save you trouble." They debated the question as though Mr. Palk were not present. He listened quite silently; but finally, when it became impossible not to state his opinion on the point, he spoke. "I will certainly do so," he said. "If you'll write them down, I will carry out the items, miss." "It's asking too much," hesitated Susan. "It may be, or it may not," he answered. "But I'll do it--for you." She thanked him very heartily. She was honestly most grateful. "It's proper kind and will take a great weight off my mind, Mr. Palk." "Set 'em down; and if there's anything to be carried, I'll carry it." Susan evinced her gratitude, but repeated her fears that she was asking too much. She was almost excited and forgot her dinner. "There's the patterns from the tailor first. Father wants a new, warm suit, and be hopeful Mr. West have got the same stuff as before; but tailor will give you a little book of patterns, as will go in your pocket I should think. And there's they cough drops made with black currants for father, and his boots, that went to be mended, and his new leggings." "Nought for yourself?" asked Thomas. "That'll be enough. What I want can wait." "No," he said slowly. "If there's any chores for you, set 'em down. In for a penny, in for a pound." "A reel of thread at Miss Bassett's shop and a pound of loaf sugar--but there, you've got enough without them." "Put 'em down." "And if tailor's shut, will you knock at the side door? 'Tis understood I be coming." "I'll knock at the side door if tailor's shut," promised Thomas. He was really gratified at receiving this commission, but his vague, subconscious emotion on the subject, even if he had desired to declare it, was of a nature far too nebulous for any words. He went and duly returned with the patterns for Joe's new suit, his cough lozenges and the rest. Both Susan and Mr. Stockman expressed the deepest thanks. "Nevertheless, Thomas, another time it may be better, in my humble judgment, if each of us does his appointed task," said the master. "You see, if I may say so, it puts us out of our stride if you do my daughter's lawful work, and Maynard does yours. I'm a great believer in method, Thomas, as you are yourself, thank God; so I feel pretty sure you'll put duty afore pleasure another time. And now I hope you're going to take a spot out of my new bottle of whisky along with me." Mr. Palk replied nothing, but accepted the drink and hid his thoughts.