As I expected, I have
not had one word from him since. But in a roundabout way
I did get some news as to what happened. From this
account, which was second-hand, and may have been
exaggerated, Cullingworth did exactly what I had
recommended, and calling all his creditors together he
made them a long statement as to his position. The good
people were so touched by the picture that he drew of a
worthy man fighting against adversity that several of
them wept, and there was not only complete unanimity as
to letting their bills stand over, but even some talk of
a collection then and there to help Cullingworth on
his way. He has, I understand, left Avonmouth, but no
one has any idea what has become of him. It is generally
supposed that he has gone to England. He is a strange
fellow, but I wish him luck wherever he goes.
When I came back I settled down once more to the
routine of my father's practice, holding on there until
something may turn up. And for six months I have had to
wait; a weary six months they have been. You see I
cannot ask my father for money--or, at least, I cannot
bring myself to take an unnecessary penny of his money--
for I know how hard a fight it is with him to keep the
roof over our heads and pay for the modest little horse
and trap which are as necessary to his trade as a goose
is to a tailor. Foul fare the grasping taxman who wrings
a couple of guineas from us on the plea that it is a
luxury! We can just hold on, and I would not have him a
pound the poorer for me.
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