Chapter 12 - Page 2

years and many experiences. "Thou hes done all a man could do,"
he added, "and we are more than a bit proud of thee."

"I do not think we shall be long idle," continued John, "and when we
open the gates again, there will be spinning and weaving work that will
keep the looms busy day and night. And the looms will be in fine order
to begin work at an hour's notice. When the first bell rings, I shall be
at my desk; let me see how quickly you will all be at your looms again."

"How long, master, will it be till we hear the sound of the bell again?"

"Say till midsummer. I do not think it will be longer. No, I do not. Let
us bear the trial as cheerfully as we can. I am not going a mile from
Hatton, and if any man or woman has a trouble I can lighten, let them
come to me. And our God is not a far-off God. He is a very present help
in time of need." With these words John lifted his hat a moment, and as
he turned away, Greenwood led the little company out, singing
confidently,

"We thank Him for all that is past,
We trust Him for all that's to come."

John did not go home for some hours. He went over his books and brought
all transactions up to date, and accompanied by Greenwood made a careful
inspection of every loom, noted what repairs or alterations were
necessary, and hired a sufficient number of boys to oil and dust the
looms regularly to keep the mill clean and all the metal work bright and
shining. So it was well on in the afternoon when he turned homeward.
Jane met him at the park gates, and they talked the subject over under
the green trees with the scent of the sweetbriar everywhere and the
April sunshine over every growing thing. She was a great help and
comfort. He felt her encouraging smiles and words to be like wine and
music, and when they sat down to dinner together, they were a wonder to
their household. They did not speak of the closed mill and they did not
look like people who expected a hard and sorrowful time.

"They hev a bit o' money laid by for theirsens," said the selfish who
judged others out of their own hearts; but the majority answered
quickly, "Not they! Not a farthing! Hatton hes spent his last shilling
to keep Hatton mill going, and how he is going to open it when peace
comes caps everyone who can add this and that together."

The first week of idleness was not the worst. John and Greenwood found
plenty to do among the idle looms, but after all repairs and alterations
had been completed, then John felt the stress of hours that had no
regular daily task. For the first time in his life his household saw him
irritable. He spoke impatiently and did not know it until the words