struck me as likely to be convenient, for I haven't time to talk about it now; and then we'll discuss it at our leisure. My intention is ultimately to retire from the management altogether, and until you can take all the expenditure upon your shoulders, I'll be a sleeping partner in the stock. Then, if I marry her—and I hope—I feel I shall, why———"
"Pray don't speak of it, sir," said Oak, hastily. "We don't know what may happen. So many upsets may befall ye. There's many a slip, as they say—and I would advise you—I know you'll pardon me this once—not to be too sure."
"I know, I know. But the feeling I have about increasing your share is on account of what I know of you. Oak, I have learnt a little about your secret your interest in her is more than that of bailiff for an employer. But you have behaved like a man, and I, as a sort of successful rival—successful partly through your goodness of heart―should like definitely to show my sense of your friendship under what must have been a great pain to you.
"Oh, that's not necessary, thank ye," said Oak, hurriedly. "I must get used to such as that; other men have, and so shall I."
Oak then left him. He was uneasy on Boldwood's account, for he saw anew that this con-
