42 ---s«*xPIGGING A GRAVE

and do as I desired, mind as 1 desired in all
things. I should be your mistress you know.”

~ Another courtesy.

‘¢Many thanks to your honor; but it’s nee .
such a place as this I'd be fit for. I—” she
-exclaimed, in a terrified tone, as “the lady”
staggered over the chair where the child lay,
playing with it’s fingers. “Oh! take care,
my lady! sure it’s the precious babby ye re
just going to sit on!” |

Mary’s exclamation was barely in time, for
it was echoed by a scream from the child.

- The terrible habit that was growing on this
unfortunate lacy, had not yet destroyed her
| natural afiections even when under its infiu-
~ ence. She snatched up the child, sank into
the chair, and burst into tears.
- 2 Oh, don’t go’ into asterichs, my lady,

don’t ; the darling isn’t hurt. Your weight
didn’t rest on him; he was only frightened.

Oh, what will I do, at all—and the both