Page:Gaskell - North and South, vol. II, 1855.djvu/188

 "No, I didn't," said Mr. Thornton, looking round sharply at his follower. Higgins was known to him by name as a turbulent spirit.

"Come along," said he, and his tone was rougher than before. "It is men such as this," thought he, "who interrupt commerce and injure the very town they live in: mere demagogues, lovers of power, at whatever cost to others."

"Well, sir! what do you want with me?" said Mr. Thornton, facing round at him, as soon as they were in the counting-house of the mill.

"My name is Higgins"—

"I know that," broke in Mr. Thornton. " What do you want, Mr. Higgins? That's the question."

"I want work."

"Work! You're a pretty chap to come asking me for work. You don't want impudence, that's very clear."

"I've getten enemies and backbiters, like my betters; but I ne'er heerd o' ony of them calling me o'er-modest," said Higgins. His blood was a little roused by Mr. Thornton's manner, more than by his words.

Mr. Thornton saw a letter addressed to himself on the table. He took it up and read it through. At the end, he looked up and said, "What are you waiting for?"

"An answer to th' question I axed."

"I gave it you before. Don't waste any more of your time."

"Yo' made a remark, sir, on my impudence: but I were taught that it was manners to say either 'yes' or 'no,' when I were axed a civil question. I should