THE NORTIICROFT LILIES.

fine work couldn't we get some bread and pay after-
wards ?"
 No, mother, it isn't sure; I may not finish it,
perhaps I shan't be able; and oh, mother, let's keep
out of debt !"
 Poor child it's you as suffers most: but I'll say
no more. What did you say the lady had written
under the lilies ? it was dark when I came in."
 "' Shall He not much more care for you ? '
 There was confidence in Nancy's tone as she re-
peated the text slowly and reverently, and poor Mrs.
Joyce rested her wearied mind on the thought of God's
care for the flowers, and soon fell asleep: before long,
Nancy slumbered peacefully by her side.
 The morning dawned bright and beautiful, and the
soft May sunshine stole even into White Lion Court,
but Tim grumbled: "If it would only rain!" he said.
"' There ain't no need for crossings weather like this ;"
and he and Joe went out breakfastless and cross, poor
boys! to look out for what might happen.
 "There isn't a farthing in the house, Nancy child;
and you'd no dinner yesterday."
 "Never mind, mother, I can't help feeling God
will send us help: we'll wait a little."
 Mrs. Joyce had, alas no work from home, so she
took her kettle to a neighbour's to boil, and then began
to wash. Nancy took up her tatting and did a few
stitches, resting occasionally, for her arms were very
weak this morning.
 It was eleven o'clock, and Mrs. Joyce was washing
in silence, for she was too hungry and sorrowful to
talk, when a man's voice was heard in the court-
"Nancy Joyce! any one tell me where Nancy Joyce
livcs ?"
 "Oh, mother, he's calling for me."
 "I ere !" said Mrs. Joyce, going to the door, and