of comment, but she was disappointed, and bursting into tears would
have risen from the table, had not the kind looking woman said, "Shame
on you, Peter, to plague a little girl."

Uncle Peter, too, who was fond of children, seemed distressed, and
passing towards her the bowl of milk which was standing by him, he
said, "Drink it, daughter;--milk for babes, and meat for strong men."

There was so much of real kindness in his manner that Mary's fear of
him diminished, and taking the offered milk she thanked him so kindly
that Uncle Peter, who was quite an orator, considered it his duty to
make a speech. Pushing back his chair, he commenced with a bow which
required do many changes of his legs that Mary wondered they were not
entirely twisted up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, one and all," said he, "but particularly
ladies, what I have to say is this, that henceforth and for ever I am
the champion of this unprotected female, who from parts unknown has
come among us.--God bless her. I will also announce formally that I
still hold myself in readiness to teach the polite accomplishment of
dancing in my room, No. 41, Pauper's Hotel."

Having finished this speech he resumed his breakfast, after which with
another of his wonderful bows he quitted the room. Mary was about
following his example when Mrs. Grundy said. "Come, catch hold now and
see how spry you can clear the table, and you, Rind," speaking to a
simple looking girl with crooked feet, "do you go to your shoes. Be
quick now, for it's goin' on seven o'clock."

At this moment Mary caught sight of Mr. Parker, who was standing just