COBBLER (intent upon the ball, and speaking slowly, and in jerks).--"A
mist now. Ha! an arm with a besom--sweeps all before it."

SOPHY (frightened).--"Send it away, please."

COBBLER--"It is gone. Ha! there's Rugge,--looks very angry,--savage,
indeed."

WAIFE.--"Good sign that! proceed."

COBBLER.--"Shakes his fist; gone. Ha! a young man, boyish, dark hair."

SOPHY (clapping her hands).--"That is the young gentleman--the very young
one, I mean--with the kind eyes; is he coming?--is he, is he?"

WAIFE--"Examine his pockets! do you see there three pounds?"

COBBLER (testily).--"Don't be a-interrupting. Ha! he is talking with
another gentleman, bearded."

SOPHY (whispering to her grandfather).--"The old young gentleman."

COBBLER (putting down the crystal, and with great decision).--"They are
coming here; I see 'd them at the corner of the lane, by the public-
house, two minutes' walk to this door." He took out a great silver
watch: "Look, Sophy, when the minute-hand gets there (or before, if they
walk briskly), you will hear them knock."

Sophy clasped her hands in mute suspense, half-credulous, half-doubting;
then she went and opened the room-door, and stood on the landing-place to