h Nancy," said Susan, anxious to stop this
revelation of Will's attachment to herself. "He'll come round to her
soon; he can't fail; and I'll keep a sharp look-out after the poor
mother, and try and catch her the next time she comes with her little
parcels of money."

"Ay, lass; we mun get hold of her; my Lizzie. I love thee dearly for thy
kindness to her child: but, if thou canst catch her for me, I'll pray for
thee when I'm too near my death to speak words; and, while I live, I'll
serve thee next to her--she mun come first, thou know'st. God bless
thee, lass. My heart is lighter by a deal than it was when I comed in.
Them lads will be looking for me home, and I mun go, and leave this
little sweet one" (kissing it). "If I can take courage, I'll tell Will
all that has come and gone between us two. He may come and see thee,
mayn't he?"

"Father will be very glad to see him, I'm sure," replied Susan. The way
in which this was spoken satisfied Mrs. Leigh's anxious heart that she
had done Will no harm by what she had said; and, with many a kiss to the
little one, and one more fervent tearful blessing on Susan, she went
homewards.

CHAPTER III.

That night Mrs. Leigh stopped at home--that only night for many months.
Even Tom, the scholar, looked up from his books in amazement; but then he
remembered that Will had not been well, and that his mother's attention
having been called to the circumstance, it was only natural she should
stay to watch him. And no watching could be more tender, or more
complete. Her loving eyes seemed never averted from his face--his grave,
sad, careworn face. When Tom went to bed the mother left her seat, and
going up to Will, where he sat looking at the fire, but not seeing it,
she kissed his forehead, and said--"Will! lad, I've been to see Susan
Palmer!"

She felt the start under her hand which was placed on his shoulder, but
he was silent for a minute or two. Then he said,--

"What took you there, mother?"

"Why, my lad, it was likely I should wish to see one you cared for; I did
not put myself forward. I put on my Sunday clothes, and tried to behave
as yo'd ha' liked me. At least, I remember trying at first; but after, I
forgot all."

She rather wished that he would question her as to what made her forget
all. But he only said--

"How was she looking, mother?"

"Well, thou seest I never set eyes on her before; but she's a good,
gentle-looking creature; and I lo