will do my head good, and it's rather got a trick of aching."

So she pattered off. I had lighted the candle, to give the room a
cheerful appearance against her return.

"Was it Martha?" asked I.

"Yes. And I am rather uncomfortable, for I heard such a strange
noise, just as I was opening the door."

"Where?' I asked, for her eyes were round with affright.

"In the street--just outside--it sounded like" -

"Talking?" I put in, as she hesitated a little.

"No! kissing" -



CHAPTER VII--VISITING



One morning, as Miss Matty and I sat at our work--it was before
twelve o'clock, and Miss Matty had not changed the cap with yellow
ribbons that had been Miss Jenkyns's best, and which Miss Matty was
now wearing out in private, putting on the one made in imitation of
Mrs Jamieson's at all times when she expected to be seen--Martha
came up, and asked if Miss Betty Barker might speak to her