As for Henry, he felt quite triumphant and grand, and consoled her in an
off-hand, hearty way. "Come, cheer up, and face the music. They have all
forgotten you by this time, and, when they do see you again, you shall
be as good as the best of them. I don't drink, and I've got a trade all
to myself here, and I'd rather make my fortune in this town than any
other; and, mother, you have been a good friend to me; I won't ever
marry till I have done you justice, and made you the queen of this very
town."

And so he rattled on, in such high spirits, that the great soft thing
began to smile with motherly love and pride through her tears, ere they
found a lodging.

Next day to the works, and there the foreman showed him a small forge on
the ground floor, and a vacant room above to make his handles in and put
the tools together; the blades were to be ground, whetted, and finished
by cheaper hands.

A quick-eared grinder soon came up to them, and said roughly, "Ain't we
to wet new forge?"

"They want their drink out of you," said the foreman; and whispered, in
great anxiety, "Don't say no, or you might as well work in a wasp's nest
as here."

"All right," said Henry, cheerfully. "I'm no drinker myself, but I'll
stand what is customary."

"That is right," said Foreman Bayne. "'Twill cost you fifteen shillings.