OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 43

 

to shrink away out of sight when they say —
‘Father has come !’ |

‘¢é¢ What have we here?’ said the*man,
reeling up to the table, and giving it a kick
which sent it spinning across the room, to
the destruction of all the dishes which re-
mained upon it. ‘That is always the way
you do. Stay here feasting, while I am
wearing myself to death with work! I say,
Moll, get me some supper !’ |

‘‘ Having issued this command in a voice
that was frightfully loud and stern, he threw
himself heavily into a chair, stretched out
his feet as far as possible, and plunged his
- hands into his pockets.
‘* The shrinking children remained almost
breathlessly quiet in their corner, and did
not dare to move. They knew by experi-

ence on former occasions, that they would