TI4 WHISPERS FROM FAIRVLAND. {rit.

 

view their obvious policy was to let the poor fellow
fall into his own trap, and become the possessor of the
lot in question for more than double the sum already
offered for it by themselves. So, being possessed by
this exceedingly clever idea, they forbore from bidding,
and joined in a hearty laugh when the old piece of
furniture was, presently knocked down to the worthy
milkman. This was exactly what Simon had ex-
pected and wished, and having thus obtained the
article upon which he had strangely set his heart, he
quietly withdrew from the auction room, and having
paid for his new possession, made the necessary ar-
rangements for its transfer to his own house.

Now the dwelling of Simon was in no very fash-
ionable situation, nor was it one in any way remark-
able for its size, architecture, or general convenience.
It was more than a cottage certainly, but hardly to
be called a large house, and, in fact, there was nothing
comfortable about it, outside or inside, excepting in
two rooms—the kitchen, and Simon’s own particular
Den, beyond that necessary apartment. Simon
Ricketts was a widower. Although he had had
several children born to him, none remained to cheer
his fireside or comfort his old age. His eldest boy had
gone to sea, and had not been heard of for many
years ; his only other son, who had been a railway sig-
nalman, had died, some said of a broken heart a few
months after his dismissal on account of an accident,
the occurrence of which had been attributed to his
wicked (though scarce. extraordinary) conduct in
going to sleep at his post, after having been thirty-six
hours on duty at a stretch. Simon’s daughters, too