Of course I could send in a man to do it; but if you would do it,
that would do her heart good. And that's what most wants doing good
to--isn't it, now?'
'I believe you're right there, sir. If it wasn't for the misery of
it, I shouldn't mind the hunger.'
'I should like to tell you how I came to go poking my nose into
other people's affairs. Would you like to hear my story now?'
'If you please, sir.'
A little pallid curiosity seemed to rouse itself in the heart of the
hopeless man. So Falconer began at once to tell him how he had been
brought up, describing the country and their ways of life, not
excluding his adventures with Shargar, until he saw that the man was
thoroughly interested. Then all at once, pulling out his watch, he
said,
'But it's time I had my tea, and I haven't half done yet. I am not
fond of being hungry, like you, Mr. De Fleuri.'
The poor fellow could only manage a very dubious smile.
'I'll tell you what,' said Falconer, as if the thought had only just
struck him--'come home with me, and I'll give you the rest of it at
my own place.'
'You must excuse me, sir.'
'Bless my soul, the man's as proud as Lucifer! He wont accept a
neighbour's invitation to a cup of tea--for fear it should put him
under obligations, I suppose.'
'It's very kind of you, sir, to put it in that way; but I don't
choose to be taken in. You know very well it's not as one equal
asks another you ask me.
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