194 Turnaside Cottage.

The lodger who took her rooms after Mr. Hurst
left her, robbed and swindled her, and she gave
up the lodging-house to the care of her married
daughter. Hearing just at that time that we wanted
a sewing mistress, Mrs. Howells offered herself,
giving as her reasons—not to the committee, but
in private—that she knew nobody could do Mr.
Hurst’s egg to a turn, as she could ; and it was no
use to tell her, she knew he had flat tea, five times
out of the seven, through want of proper manage-
ment of the kettle ; Iet alone our paying twice too
much for everything, and then wasting it into the
bargain. Of course I would admit nothing of the
sort ; but thinking that Mr. Hurst might very likely
be more comfortable under her care, I promised the
managers that I would mysclf sce to the education of
the girls in everything but sewing, and Mrs. Howells
was appointed. I must confess that the tea is
better in flavour since Mrs. Howclls took the kettle
under her own eye, and our sturdy rough-haired
Phoebe sweeps and scrubs in a very different style,

“

now that the “ missis” may be down upon her at
any moment.

Tommy has been to see us since we were settled
here—Tommy, magnificent in his regimentals, and
rejoicing at being at last ordered out to India. He
is a favourite with both officers and men, and wears