"Mother! why are you not 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 that no man will suffer by me. That was my anxiety."

'Mother! why are you not 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, lifting his head. 'I know now that no man will suffer by me. That was my anxiety.'
