84 J. COLE.

behind the hall-door, ready to open it directly
the knocker was released. He ushered in the
guests as though “to the manner born,” giving
out the names correctly, and with all the ease
of an experienced groom of the chambers.

The conservatory leading out of the drawing-
room was Joe’s especial pride; it was his great
pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, and
attend to the ferns and plants. Many shillings
from his pocket-money were spent in little sur-
prises for me in the form of pots of musk,
maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his
wages were all sent home, and he only kept
for his own whatever he had given to him, and
sometimes a guest would “tip” him more
generously than I liked, for his bright eyes
and ready hands were always at everybody’s
service.

After my husband’s return home, who from
the first became Joe’s especial care, as to
boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became ne-
cessary to give two or three dinner-parties,
and I must confess I felt nervous as to how
Joe would acquit himself.

In our dining-room was a very large bear-