12 J. COLE.

or drank what I gave him, because he wanted
to help, and it was hot in the kitchen, I sup-
pose, and he felt faint like, but there he is,
crying; and just now, when the bell rung,
which was two great big boys after the place,
he says, ‘Oh, please say “ We're sooted,” and
ask the lady if I may stay.’ So, I’ve taken
the liberty, ma’am,” said Cook, “for somehow
I like that little chap, and there’s a deal in
him, I do believe.”

So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment,
J. Cole was’ standing in her place, the blue
eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager
anxiety as to what his fate would be making
his poor little hands clutch at his coat-sleeves,
and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that
I had not the .courage to grieve him by a
refusal.

“Well, Joseph,” I said, “I have decided to
give you a month’s trial. I shall write to the
gentleman who employs your brother ; and if
he speaks well of you, you may stay.”

«And may I stay now, please?” he said.
“May I stay before you gets any answer to
your letter to say Pm all right? JI think