the story and the wonderful power of the singers like a mirror.

Will, who was watching her even more intently than Hester, now began
to sing only for her. He looked directly at her; and a great many
emotions surging in his own soul must have come to her just now, borne
on the words of the old ballad--

When he was dead and laid in grave,
Her heart was struck with sorrow.
O mother, mother, make my bed,
For I must die to-morrow.

Farewell, she said, ye virgins all,
And shun the fault I fell in;
Henceforth, take warning by the fall
Of cruel Barbara Allen.

There was almost a note of warning in Will's voice. It died away with
a quaver which might have been a reproach.

Bet roused herself with a shivering sigh. "Eh," she said, "she was a
cruel one. That was beautiful, Hester. Better than a drink of water
when you are thirsty." She raised her hand to wipe away two tears which
had rolled down her cheeks.

"It seems to me," she added, "that there is nought in all the world
like the music of a grand voice like yours, Hester. It's the only
beautiful thing I ha' met--your voice and Will's; they are just grand
and summut to be thanked for. Well, I am obliged to you both; but I
must say 'goodnight' now, for it is time for me to be going."