‘ Why couldn’t you say so, young Tom?’ demanded Bounderby.
‘ I promised my sister I wouldn’t.’ Which Louisa hastily confirmed. ‘And besides,’ said the whelp bitterly, ‘she tells her own story so precious well—and so full—that what business had I to take it out of her mouth!’
‘ Say, young lady, if you please,’ pursued Rachael, ‘why, in an evil hour, you ever came to Stephen’s that night.’
‘ I felt compassion for him,’ said Louisa, her colour deepening, ‘and I wished to know what he was going to do, and wished to offer him assistance.’
‘ Thank you, ma’am,’ said Bounderby. ‘Much flattered and obliged.’
‘ Did you offer him,’ asked Rachael, ‘a bank-note?’
‘ Yes; but he refused it, and would only take two pounds in gold.’
Rachael cast her eyes towards Mr. Bounderby again.
‘ Oh
