he took to drinking, till everything went to rack and ruin. My poor
girl took the trouble to heart more than her husband did, a great
deal; and I believe it was the trouble that killed her. She died
three weeks after that boy was born, and her husband ran away the
day after the funeral, and has never been heard of since. Some say
he drowned himself in the Clem; but he was a precious deal too fond
of himself for that. He was up to his eyes in debt, and didn't leave
a sixpence behind him; that's how Peter came to be thrown on my
hands.'

'Come here, Peter,' said Milly softly; and the boy went to her
directly, and took the hand she offered him.

'You've not forgotten me, have you, Peter? Miss Darrell, who used to
talk to you sometimes a long time ago.'

The boy's vacant face brightened into something like intelligence.

'I know you, miss,' he said; 'you was always kind to Peter. It's not
many that I know; but I know you.'

She took out her purse and gave him half-a-crown.

'There, Peter, there's a big piece of silver for your own self, to
buy whatever you like--sugar-sticks, gingerbread, marbles--anything.'

His clumsy hand closed upon the coin, and I have no doubt he was
pleased by the donation; but he never took his eyes from Milly
Darrell's face. That bright lovely face seemed to exercise a kind of
fascination upon him.