AND HER CAT. 49

 

*T should think I did! I run on errands for her.”

“Indeed. Pray what did the old woman say to you?”

* She told me, if I could enter the mansion as a servant,
I should lead a pleasant life.”

“Lady Greenford is from home, my man; and her
establishment is quite complete.”

«What a pity!” replied the lad, sighing deeply.

Sharpphiz went on a step or two, as if to go in, put his
hand to the knocker, and then turned round and walked
back to the boy.

“What’s your name?”

“Nicholas; after my father: but Iam more frequently.
called by the nickname of Crankey.”

“ What trade do you follow?”

“As yet I have none: my father works on the river;
as for me, I live how I can, from hand to mouth. I run
on errands; I catch birds and sell them; I pick up rusty