bow under her collar; andwhen the meal was finished the younger sister, who seldom concernedherself wi

hateful having to do everything in one room?""Oh, Evelina, I'

ut I don't supposethere's any harm in my

de the bed."Ann Eliza coloured. There was somet

for more what we have may be

et much," Evelina retortedwith a la

ally relegated thismore delicate business to the long leisure of the summer months;but to-night Evelina had brought out the box which lay all winterunder the bed, and spread before her a bright array of muslinpetals, yellow st

on her feet, said promptly: "Sit still. I'llsee who it is."Ann Eliza was glad

later, in the high drawl she cultivated beforestrangers; and a shortish man

Grimm's law inthe interchange of his consonants betrayed the clockmaker'snationality, but he was evidently used to speaking English, or atleast the particular bran

e satisfied," Ann

be, not till I see that clock's goingall right.""May I assist you off with your coat, Mr. R

he suggested. "My sister will reachdown the clock; but I'm sure she's all right again. She's wentbeautiful ever since you fixed her.""Dat's good," said Mr. Ramy. His lips parted in a smile whichshowed a row of yellowish teeth with one or two gaps in it; but inspite of this disclosure Ann Eliza thought his smile extremelypleasant: there was so

at clock's all rig

liged to you," said Evelina,th

unch that hung at herwaist with her cutting-out scissors, and fitting it into the lockof the cup

ourgrandmother.""It looks fine," said Mr. Ramy bowing, and Ann Eliza filledthe glasses. In her own and Evelina's sh

his hostesses, Mr. Ramydrank off the c

intended toput their guest at ease, had taken up her

erest. "It's very pretty work. I had a lady-vriend inShermany dat us

ear me yes, a goot while ago. I was only ninedeen when Icome to the

aid with an air of interest: "You're pleasantly fixed here;it looks real c

eems home-like when you're always alone in it."For some minutes longer the conversation moved on at thisdesultory pace, and then Mr. Ramy, who had been obviously nervinghimself for the difficult act of departure, took his leave with anabruptness which would have startled anyone used to the subtlergradations of interc

nt for a while;then Evelina, laying aside her