d more honourable to give

usband. Mrs. Tolman, the Vicar's wife, who was a frequent visitor, had been scandalised

ery few women would bear things in that quiet, uncomplaining way, and the amount of work she gets thr

urite attitude. He was a heavy, ponderous man, with an expression of shrewd good sense on his face that won people's co

ar. She is Mrs. Broderick's exact opposite. Please do not misunderstand me in this tiresome way," and here Mrs. Tolman frowned slightly. "It is the manner in which Mrs. Broderick

yes, though he held his peace. And to tell the truth, Mrs.

next room, and she was expecting him in every moment. Sometimes in the twilight it makes me quite creep

Broderick understood each other perfectly. She had not a firmer friend in the world, unless it was her kind

ace was heated sevenfold for her. Make believe that he is alive! Why, he has never been dead to her! It is her vivid faith and her v

ar's eyes. Did he not know his Isabella, and how good she w

bella is always complaining of her. They have not exactly hit it off."

transition of thought carried her back to the dismal little dining-room at Galvaston Terrace, with its black smouldering fir

re warmer. Sit down in that easy-chair close to the fire where I can see you, and take that handscreen for the go

" asked Olivia, in her astonished voice. It was pure guess-work on Mr

been small, and if Olivia had eaten her share, Martha would have fared badly. A convenient flower-pot, a gift from Aunt Madge, had prevented Marcu

I ought to have known the meat would not go round properly; but happily Marcus did not notice,

s only answer was t

ought there was something wrong about you when you came in; you had a peaky, under-fed look. Oh, I thought so!" as the tears rose to Olivia's eyes. "Now, I am not going to say another word until you have had your tea. Look at Zoe; she thinks you are in trouble about something, and wants to lick your face. Is no

rn; he was talking in his sleep last night. We have so little money left-only just enough for six months' rent and the coals, and

er a few weeks ago, and we decided

hese growing girls must be properly fed, and the amount of bread and but

and the scones, and the new-laid eggs, and as Mrs. Broderick sipped her tea it

are right from your point of view, and that if you cannot afford Martha's food she must go, but I have been thinking of Marcus. He is at the turning-point of his career. Every

Aunt M

terical attack, but we must think of Marcus. Martha must not go, at least, not until the winter is over. I have been saving a few pounds for your Christmas present I meant you to have had a new dress and jacket, and a few other

t Madge, why are you so good to me? You have saved all this, and you have so

d to say, there would be less distress in the world; well, my wants are few; I have no milliner's bills;" here there was a gleam of fun in the invalid's eyes. "No smart bonnets or fashionable mantles needed at

e gold and silver; "will there be eno

calculation, "I do believe that with a little contrivance and management I can get some new trimming for my Sunday hat, and a pair of chevrette gloves; good chevrette gloves

trivances; the little purse of savings had not been gathered together without some self-denia

days when I can do nothing special, when it is all noughts and crosses in my diary, I have had my Christmas treat beforehand, and I s

st; I think I shall get some cotton-backed ve

ears ago. I was keeping it for some special occasion. If you buy a really good cashmere, and trim it with my old miniver, Dot will have a gra

rcus had promised to be back by seven, and it was six o'clock now; but as she

give her the few shillings for Dot's pelisse; he should have a nice tea. Aunt Madge had made her take a couple of the n

a gave a surprised start. She had reached the print-shop at the corner of Harbut Street, and in th

. She had never known him out so late before. His afternoon walk was always timed for him to be back

ed; the greasy pavements were rather slippery, and Galvaston Terrace was not a well-lighted thoroughfare. Perhaps it was non

w him slip. A piece of orange-peel on the curb had escaped him in the darkness, and he had put his foot on the slippery substance. Olivia gave a quick exclamation as she saw him try to recover his balance,

afraid of leaning on me, I am very strong. Ah," as the old man uttered a groa

madam; if you will allow me to take your arm, I think I can man

come out of the house frequently. Shall I ring the bell for you, and perhaps"-hesitating a little

er the overhanging trees, and only a faint gleam from a large bow window

maids must find some way of getting me in. Perhaps, madam, you will be so good as to explain th

is foot, and it is quite impossible for him to walk up to the house. He mentioned Mrs. Crampton; perhaps

hound, stretched on a tiger skin, turned its head and then rose stiffly and came towards her. As its slender nose touched her dress

t with an accident? Times out of number I have begged and pra

tily. "I think it would be best to take an arm-chair, if you think we co

, and then you two girls bring one of t

will follow us. There are four of us, and Mr. Gaythorne is not so