candle." This he did with the deftness of a man accustomed to help himself,
then led the way to the upper room which was to be her sleeping apartment.
Placing the candle on the bureau, he forestalled Mrs. Mumpson by saying, "I'll
freshen up the fire in the kitchen and lay out the ham, eggs, coffee, and
other materials for supper. Then I must go out and unharness and do my night
work. Make yourselves to home. You'll soon be able to find everything," and
he hastened away.

It would not be their fault if they were not soon able to find everything.
Mrs. Mumpson's first act was to take the candle and survey the room in every
nook and corner. She sighed when she found the closet and bureau drawers
empty. Then she examined the quantity and texture of the bedding of the
"couch on which she was to repose," as she would express herself. Jane
followed her around on tiptoe, doing just what her mother did, but was silent.

At last they shivered in the fireless apartment, threw off their scanty wraps,
and went down to the kitchen. Mrs. Mumpson instinctively looked around for a
rocking chair, and as none was visible she hastened to the parlor, and,
holding the candle aloft, surveyed this apartment. Jane followed in her wake
as before, but at last ventured to suggest, "Mother, Mr. Holcroft'll be in
soon and want his supper."

"I suppose he'll want a great many things," replied Mrs. Mumpson with dignity,
"but he can't expect a lady of my connections to fly around like a common
servant. It is but natural, in coming to a new abode, that I should wish to
know something of that abode. There should have been a hired girl here ready
to receive and get supper for us. Since there is not one to receive us, bring
that rocking chair, my dear, and I will direct you how to proceed."

The child did as she was told, and her mother was soon rocking on the snuggest