certain modelling of the cheeks and lips which showed that the teeth
within were firmly closed; and, taken with the look of the eyes and
forehead, seemed the expression of a constant and bitter
self-command. But there were indubitable marks of ill health upon
her, notwithstanding; for not to mention her complexion, her large
dark eye was burning as if the lamp of life had broken and the oil
was blazing; and there was a slight expansion of the nostrils, which
indicated physical unrest. But her manner was perfectly, almost
dreadfully, quiet; her voice soft, low, and chiefly expressive of
indifference. She spoke without looking me in the face, but did not
seem either shy or ashamed. Her figure was remarkably graceful,
though too worn to be beautiful.--Here was a strange parishioner for
me!--in a country toy-shop, too!

As soon as the little fellow had brought me in, he shrunk away
through a half-open door that revealed a stair behind.

"What can I do for you, sir?" said the mother, coldly, and with a
kind of book-propriety of speech, as she stood on the other side of
the little counter, prepared to open box or drawer at command.

"To tell the truth, I hardly know," I said. "I am the new vicar; but
I do not think that I should have come in to see you just to-day, if
it had not been that your little boy there--where is he gone to? He
asked me to come in and see his mother."

"He is too ready to make advances to strangers, sir."

She said this in an incisive tone.