Page:Gaskell - North and South, vol. II, 1855.djvu/350

 which went down, along with several others, just at this time, like a pack of cards, the fall of one compelling other failures. What were Mr. Thornton's engagements? Could he stand?

Night after night he took books and papers into his own private room, and sate up there long after the family were gone to bed. He thought that no one knew of this occupation of the hours he should have spent in sleep. One morning, when daylight was stealing in through the crevices of his shutters, and he had never been in bed, and, in hopeless indifference of mind, was thinking that he could do without the hour or two of rest, which was all that he should be able to take before the stir of daily labour began again, the door of his room opened, and his mother stood there, dressed as she had been the day before. She had never laid herself down to slumber any more than he. Their eyes met. Their faces were cold and rigid, and wan, from long watching.

"Mother ! why are not you in bed?

"Son John," said she, "do you think I can sleep with an easy mind, while you keep awake full of care? You have not told me what your trouble is; but sore trouble you have had these many days past."

"Trade is bad."

"And you dread"

"I dread nothing," replied he, drawing up his head, and holding it erect. "I know now that no man will suffer by me. That was my anxiety."

"But how do you stand? Shall you—will it be a failure?" her steady voice trembling in an unwonted manner.