This was just what suited George; for he felt conscious that he had been somewhat neglectful of late, and he found it easier to entertain old Nicholas with the village news, than to sit by Susan and explain to her how his evenings had been occupied. "I heard plenty of news, and bad news too, at the Cart and Horses t'other night." "Oh, George! you have not taken to going to the public-house, sure? You never used to do such a thing!" "Bless you, Susan, a man can't work all day, and take no amusement when his work is over. What can a man do that has not got a home to go to?" This went to Susan's heart, but she said nothing. "As I was telling you, they said at the Cart and Horses--no, 'twas at the Chequers--Tuesday evening."---- "So he frequents both public-houses!" thought Susan. George continued: "Master Smith said there was a talk of breaking up the benefit club." "The benefit club!" exclaimed Sarah; "why, what will my good man do if the benefit club should go! His half-pay is almost all we have had to live upon for many a long year!" "That will fall heavy upon us, indeed," said Nicholas. "Why, what's the meaning of this? I never heard any talk of the club being so low." "Why, they say the members are all growing old, and so many of them keep coming upon it that it can't hold out, unless they consent to take less pay." "Ah!" cried Nicholas; "I always was afraid how 'twould be, and I was very sorry to be such a burthen to it myself. That was why I agreed that, as my affliction was not like a common illness, of which one might hope to be cured, but as I must look for no other than being on the club as long as I lived, I would take only half-pay, walking-pay, as they call it. My two sons are very good, they always make up the money to me out of their earnings. I am sure I would not wish to be too covetous, and to break my club." "I hope 'tis only talk: it will do well enough, I dare say, if we can get some new young members into it that are not likely to be any drain upon it yet. Well! I have put in for four years, and never drawn a farthing yet." "I am sure, George, you should be very grateful to think what a blessing God has granted you, in giving you such good health all these years." "True enough, Susan: in that sense I should be glad never to have any of my money back again. And I am sure, Master Foster, I am glad enough to be in the club, and help to keep it going, if it is only for your sake." "Thank you, George; that's kindly said," answered Susan, while a tear trembled in her eye-lashes. "Well, Master Foster," said George, "I must be going; for I promised to meet Will Dixon at the Chequers this evening." "Oh, George! you are not going to pass your Sunday evening at the public-house!"