I've lost sight of Peg; for we had 'igh words about the childern, and she
was a spiteful 'oman. But you can larn where she be at Mr. Warney's, if
so be he's still above ground."

"And did this woman still go by the name of Joplin?"

Bill grinned: "She warn't such a spooney as that,--that name was in your
black books too much, Mr. R----, for a 'spectable nuss for sick bodies;
no, she was then called Martha Skeggs, what was her own mother's name
afore marriage. Anything more, gemman?"

"I am satisfied," said the younger visitor, rising; "there is the purse,
and Mr. R---- will bring you ten sovereigns in addition. Good-day to
you."

Bill, with superabundant bows and flourishes, showed his visitors out,
and then, in high glee, he began to romp with his children; and the whole
family circle was in a state of uproarious enjoyment when the door flew
open, and in entered Grabman, his brief-bag in hand, dust-soiled and
unshaven.

"Aha, neighbour! your servant, your servant; just come back! Always so
merry; for the life of me, I couldn't help looking in! Dear me, Bill,
why, you're in luck!" and Mr. Grabman pointed to a pile of sovereigns
which Bill had emptied from the purse to count over and weigh on the tip
of his forefinger.

"Yes," said Bill, sweeping the gold into his corduroy pocket; "and who do
you think brought me these shiners? Why, who but old Peggy, the 'oman
wot you put out at Clapham."