at her prayers will be answered, because, she says, `He who
has promised is faithful,' but I fear much that she will not live to see
it."

"Why so?" demanded the other sharply.

"Because she has a bad affection of the lungs. If she were under more
favourable circumstances she might recover."

"Pooh! nonsense. People constantly recover from what is called bad
affection of the lungs. Can nothing be done for her?"

"Nothing," replied Miss Lillycrop; "she will not leave her husband or
her home. If she dies--"

"Well, what then?"

"Little Tottie must be rescued, you know, and I have set my heart on
doing it."

"You'll do nothing of the sort," said Miss Stivergill firmly.

Miss Lillycrop looked surprised.

"No, you shan't rescue her," continued the good lady, with still firmer
emphasis; "you've got all London at your feet, and there's plenty more
where that one came from. Come, Lilly, you mustn't be greedy. You may
have the baby if you like, but you must leave little Bones to me."

Miss Lillycrop was making feeble resistance to this proposal when the
subject of dispute suddenly appeared at the door with glaring eyes and a
horrified expression of face. Baby was in her arms as usual, and both
he and his nurse were drenched, besides being covered from head to foot
with mud.

It needed little explanation to tell that in crossing a ditch on a
single plank Tottie had stumbled and gone headlong into the water with
baby in her arms. Fortunately neither was hurt, though both had been
terribly frightened.

Miss Stivergill was equal to the occasion. Ordering two tubs half-full
of warm water into the back kitchen, she stripped the unfortunates and
put them therein, to the intense joy of baby, whose delight in a warm
bath was only equalled by his pleasure in doing mischief. At first Miss
Stivergill thought of burning the children's garments, and fitting them
out afresh, but on the suggestion of her friend that their appearing at
home with new clothes might create suspicion, and cause unpleasant
inquiries, she refrained. When thoroughly cleaned, Tottie and baby were
wrapped up in shawls and set down to a hearty tea in the parlour.

While this was being devoured, the two friends conversed of many things.
Among others, Miss Stivergill touched on the subject of her
progenitors, and made some confidential references to her mother, which
her friend received with becoming sympathy.

"Yes, my dear," said Miss Stivergi