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"I don't s'pose there's any use of two such reprobates as us thinkin' about sayin' grace," said Mr Growther, taking his place at the head of the table; "and yet, as I said, I allers have a sneakin' wish jest to go through the for and God's rational critters Howsomever, they don't know no better, and so their consciences is clear I'll own up this toast is good, if I a else to do, you can take to cookin' for a livin'"

"No one in town, save yourself, would trust me in their kitchen"

"Well, it does see rather than his character," said Mr Growther thoughtfully

"Then it seems a pity a man can lose it so cursed easily," added Haldane bitterly, "for, having lost it, all the respectable and well-to-do would rather one should go to the devil a thousand tiain"

"You put it rather strong--rather strong," said the oldhis head; "for so and everybody to-night as usual, and I can see things clearer Be honest now A h-flyin' class Howfellohoot drunk, 'bezzled a thousand dollars, and had been in jail? That's all most people in town know about you"

Haldane laid down his knife and fork and fairly groaned

"I know the plain truth is tough to hear and think about, and I' it up I hope you won't think I' to save soot to face it But face it to-ht"

"Your statement of the case is perfectly bald," said Haldane, with a troubled brow; "there are explanatory and excusing circumstances"

"Yes, no doubt; but the world don't take its into a scrape, about the only question asked is, What did he do? And they all juin Lookin' into the circumstances takes time and trouble, and it isn't human nature to bother much about other people"

"What chance is there, then, for such as I am?"

The old man hitched uneasily on his chair, but at last, with his characteristic bluntness said, "Hanged if I know! They say that theain Yet I know they do sometimes"