at that time little Jack wasn't on his feet. What do you say?

"HEAVEN FORGIVE ME?

"Ha! Mr. Caudle, it's you that ought to ask for that: I'm safe
enough, I am: it's you who should ask to be forgiven.

"No, I wouldn't slander a saint--and I didn't take away the girl's
character for nothing. I know she brought an action for what I said;
and I know you had to pay damages for what you call my tongue--I well
remember all that. And serve you right; if you hadn't laughed at
her, it wouldn't have happened. But if you will make free with such
people, of course you're sure to suffer for it. 'Twould have served
you right if the lawyer's bill had been double. Damages, indeed!
Not that anybody's tongue could have damaged her!

"And now, Mr. Caudle, you're the same man you were ten years ago.
What?

"YOU HOPE SO?

"The more shame for you. At your time of life, with all your
children growing up about you, to -

"WHAT AM I TALKING OF?

"I know very well; and so would you, if you had any conscience, which
you haven't. When I say I shall discharge Kitty, you say she's a
very good servant, and I sha'n't get a better. But I know why you
think her good; you think her pretty, and that's enough for you; as