HOME. 125

vette had been her due time on the station, she
was ordered home.

Jack, from having been at sea, had not heard
of the misfortunes of my family. ,

As goon as the ship was paid off he insisted on
accompanying me and Paul back to Liverpool.
We reached the house where I had left my sisters
under Mammy’s care. Flowers bloomed before
the windows, and there was an air of neatness and
comfort about the little abode which looked very
pleasing.

I begged Jack and Paul to remain outside while
I went in to prepare the inmates for their arrival.
Mammy opened the door. She seized me in her
arms the moment she saw me, and I did not at
all mind the kisses she bestowed on my cheeks,
though her lips were thick and her black face
shrivelled.

_* Your sisters up stairs, Massa Harry. They
go glad you come back,’ she exclaimed, and dragged
me along. She opened the door where they were
seated at work.

‘I have brought some strangers to see you,’ I
said, after our greetings were over. ‘ You remem-

ber our cousin Jack Haultaught; he insisted on