and we have been together ever since."

LIONEL.--"Was Mrs. Crane no relation of yours?"

SOPHY.--"No, I suppose not, for she was not kind; I was so miserable: but
don't talk of it; I forget that now. I only wish to remember from the
time Grandfather took me in his lap, and told me to be a good child and
love him; and I have been happy ever since."

"You are a dear good child," said Lionel, emphatically, "and I wish I had
you for my sister."

VANCE.--"When your grandfather has received from me that exorbitant--not
that I grudge it--sum, I should like to ask, What will he do with it? As
he said it was a secret, I must not pump you."

SOPHY.--"What will he do with it? I should like to know, too, sir; but
whatever it is I don't care, so long as I and Grandfather are together."

Here Waife re-entered. "Well, how goes on the picture?"

VANCE.--"Tolerably, for the first sitting; I require two more."

WAIFE.--"Certainly; only--only" (he drew aside Vance, and whispered),
"only the day after to-morrow, I fear I shall want the money. It is an
occasion that never will occur again: I would seize it."

VANCE.--"Take the money now."

WAIFE.--"Well, thank you, sir; you are sure now that we shall not run