events to her mind. That matters had not turned out in the past as she had
expected, counted for nothing. She was one who could not be taught, even by
experience. The most insignificant thing in Holcroft's dwelling had not
escaped her scrutiny and pretty accurate guess as to value, yet she could not
see or understand the intolerable disgust and irritation which her ridiculous
conduct excited. In a weak mind egotism and selfishness, beyond a certain
point, pass into practical insanity. All sense of delicacy, of the fitness of
things, is lost; even the power to consider the rights and feelings of others
is wanting. Unlike poor Holcroft, Mrs. Mumpson had few misgivings in regard
to coming years. As she rocked unceasingly before the parlor fire, she
arranged everything in regard to his future as well as her own.

Jane, quite forgotten, was oppressed with a miserable presentiment of evil.
Her pinched but intense little mind was concentrated on two facts--Holcroft's
anger and her mother's lack of sense. From such premises it did not take her
long to reason out but one conclusion--"visitin' again;" and this was the
summing up of all evils. Now and then a tear would force its way out of one
of her little eyes, but otherwise she kept her troubles to herself.

Mrs. Wiggins was the only complacent personage in the house, and she unbent
with a garrulous affability to Jane, which could be accounted for in but one
way--Holcroft had forgotten about his cider barrel, thereby unconsciously
giving her the chance to sample its contents freely. She was now smoking her
pipe with much content, and indulging in pleasing reminiscences which the
facts of her life scarcely warranted.

"Ven hi vas as leetle a gal as ye are," she began, and then she related
experiences quite devoid of the simplicity and innocence of childhood. The
girl soon forgot her fears and listened with avidity until the old dame's face
grew heavier, if possible, with sleep, and she stumbled off to bed.