now, but--but it's you they're abusing now, Master Chris!"

The young fellow looked down into the little woman's face. His eyes were
sympathetic enough, but he said nothing. With a little nod and a
suppressed sigh he turned away from her. He laid his hand upon the door
and then stopped.

"As soon as you have brought up tea," he said, looking back, "I will
take them for the evening, and you can have your rest as usual."

From the room came, at intervals, the ring of silver, as if some one
were moving the spoons and forks from the table. Christian waited until
these sounds had ceased before he entered.

"Good evening, Aunt Judith. Good evening, Aunt Hester," he said
cheerily.

They were exactly alike, these two old ladies; the same marvellously
wrinkled features and silver hair; voluminous caps and white woollen
shawls identical. With exaggerated marks of respect he kissed each by
turn on her withered cheek.

"May I sit down, Aunt Judith?" he asked, and without waiting for an
answer drew a chair towards the fireplace, where a small fire burnt
though it was the month of August.

"Yes, Nephew Vellacott, you may take a seat," replied Aunt Judith with
chill severity, "and you may also tell us where you have been during the
last four weeks."