patchwork sofa-cover, the old piano, and Miss Faithfull's arm chair
by the fire, her little table with her beautiful knitting, and often
a flower or insect that she was copying; for she still drew nicely;
and she smiled and consented, as Louis pulled out her portfolios,
life-long collections of portraits of birds, flowers, or insects.
Her knitting found a sale at the workshop, where the object was well
known, and the proceeds were diffused by her sister, and whether she
deserved her name might be guessed by the basket of poor people's
stores beside her chair.

Miss Mercy was well known in every dusky Northwold lane or alley,
where she always found or made a welcome for herself. The kindly
counsel and ready hand were more potent than far larger means without
them.

Such neighbours were in themselves a host, and Mary and her mother
both felt as if they had attained a region of unwonted tranquillity
and repose, when they had agreed to rent No. 5, Dynevor Terrace, from
the ensuing Lady-day, and to take possession when carpenters and
upholsterers should have worked their will.

Louis was half-way home when he exclaimed, 'There! I have missed Tom
Madison a second time. When shall I ever remember him at the right
time?'

Little did Louis guess the effect his neglect was taking! Charlotte
Arnold might have told, for Mrs. Martha had brought in stories of his
unsteadiness and idle habits that confirmed her in her obedience to
Jane. She never went out alone in his leisure hours; never looked
for him in returning from church--alas! that was not the place to