116 History of Gutta-Percha Witlie.

 

Ann’s death, six months ago, she says she has
been miserable, and if she goes on like this, it will
shorten the few days that are left her. Effie, the
only endurable servant she has had since Ann, is
going to leave at the end of her half-year, and she
says the thought of another makes her wretched,
“She may be a little hard to please, but after being
used to one for so many years, it is no wonder if she
be particular. I don’t know what is to be done.”

“TI don’t know, either—except you make her a ©
present of Tibby,” said her husband,

“John!” exclaimed Mrs Macmichael; and
“John” burst out laughing.

“You don’t think they ’d pull together?” he
said.

“ Two old people—each with her own ways, and
without any memories in common to bind them
together! I’m surprised at your dreaming of
such a thing,” exclaimed his wife.

“But I didn’t even dream of it ; I only said it,”
returned her husband. “It’s time you knew when
I was joking, wifie.”

“You joke so dreadfully like earnest!” she
answered,

“Tf only we had one more room in the house!”
said the doctor, thoughtfully.

“Ah!” returned his wife, eagerly, “that. would
be a blessing! And though Tibby would be a
thorn in every inch of grandmamma’s body, if they