To London Town by Arthur Morrison

THIS visit was but the first of many from Mr. Butson: until after a very few months he came as regularly as Uncle Isaac himself. He recovered his old appearance a little at a time, one new article of clothing coming after another; but he seemed to have no luck in his quest for a job -- or very little. What small success he found was ever brought to naught by the captiousness -- even the rudeness -- of those in direction, or their unreasonable exactions in the way of work. To simple Nan May he seemed the most shamefully ill-used of exemplars.

Johnny and Bessy were less enthusiastic. Bessy said nothing, but avoided Mr. Butson as much as possible, sitting in the shop when he was in the back parlour. Johnny went for walks in the evening, and grumbled, wondering why his mother encouraged this stranger -- "cadging suppers," as he uncivilly put it. Nan May was hurt at the expression, and feared that the workshop was spoiling Johnny's manners.