43
He watched their work more closely, he often
detected them in carelessness, and his rebukes became
sharper.
His sister was terrified by his voice sometimes.
She dared not stay upstairs with the child when there
was pressure in the shop, she was kept busy then till
the light was put out, although she was tired out
and her head ached from her disturbed nights ;
and after that she had to sit down to mending.
Once, as she stood up to go upstairs, he looked up
and said : c It's a heavy burden, I know, but you
must consider what would be the consequences if
we didn't shoulder it. It's not only the disgrace of
his father's sin on the child ; it might be worse than
that. We have to keep him free from evil, so that
later he, in his turn, will not oppress the needy,
and rob, and misappropriate securities. That
would be far worse for you than a life of hard work.'
With tears in her eyes she said : c Yes, may I be
preserved from that. You will never hear a com-
plaint from me about the work. The child is not
to blame for anything.'
* That makes it all the harder for us. For,
nevertheless, the sins will be visited on him. Don't
forget that when you think that too much is being
demanded of you. Go to bed now, I hope the child
will let you have some rest tonight.'
She sighed, whispered good-night and went away
resignedly. Then, although she was not disturbed