THE NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES. 37

mile did I continue my trot, until quite out of breath.
There was but one shop in that part of the village
where we resided, and it was kept by Mr. French, at
the corner. ;

And. a various stock he had, truly ; for who could
enumerate the contents of his shelves ?— Brooms,
brushes, crockery, tea, coffee, pipes, candy, seythes,
rakes, indeed every article that the neighbourhood for
ten miles round could want. My speed declined as I
approached the shop, and I began to consider what
I was about to do. Two waggons were at the door,
and as I looked into the shop, my eye caught several
people at the counters.

“Who is waiting upon them, I wonder?”

I stole in and sat down upon a tub near the door.
No one but Mr. French himself was behind the coun-
ter, and he looked very sad. He had his hands full
of work, supplying one and then another.

“JT wonder if Mr. French has got anybody yet?”
I said to myself. “TI wonder if he will have me? Will

he think I know enough to help him?”