"LOW LIFE." 31

 pron. She might have been a capable, prized maid-servant in
 er day; she was still an active, tidy matron in her early prime.
 You are come at last, Miles; you must be clean done up,
 but the children are a-bed, and your supper is ready," she
 said hurriedly, while she kissed her husband, as if feeling it
 a relief to welcome him first before she asked the question
 with which her heart was beating, her breath coming fast and
 her lips quivering, while she had no attention to spare for his
 four-footed attendant.
 All right, Nanse," said Mr. Miles, entering the cottage
 before he vouchsafed any explanation.
 Perhaps his mind misgave him, or his heart smote him
 vith regard to the jest he was about to make, as he looked
 found on the familiar dwelling-small, not without evidence
 narrow means, but scrupulously clean and well ordered,
 I om the gay patched quilt on the crib, in which the two
 ,ildren slept, to the well-scoured pewter mug with his beer
flanking the plate of cold bacon, the better part of the dinner
aved for his supper.
 It would be no jesting matter to Nanse to hear that the
 property of which he had been summoned to take possession
 ad gone past them. When they had parted, she had not
 een able to help building on it, in her impulsive woman's
 fashion, as what should render them easy in their worldly
 affairs, lighten the load on their backs, provide a welcome
 substitute when his strength must fail, and, above all, supply
 better schooling for the children, and raise them above all
 ear of want when she alone was left to labour for them.
 But Mr. Miles Noakes was not a man easily turned from
a purpose, and, it might be, he thought the quip would break