wrapping up things in pretty words. You must speak
plainer.'

'In plain words, then, I should like to settle you at Holly Mount. You
would not have to pay any more rent than where you are, and it would be
twenty times pleasanter for you than living up that passage where you see
nothing but a brick wall. And then, as it is not far from Paddiford, I
think Mr. Tryan might be persuaded to lodge with you, instead of in that
musty house, among dead cabbages and smoky cottages. I know you would
like to have him live with you, and you would be such a mother to him.'

'To be sure I should like it; it would be the finest thing in the world
for me. But there'll be furniture wanted. My little bit of furniture
won't fill that house.'

'O, I can put some in out of this house; it is too full; and we can buy
the rest. They tell me I'm to have more money than I shall know what to
do with.'

'I'm almost afraid,' said Mrs. Pettifer, doubtfully, 'Mr. Tryan will
hardly be persuaded. He's been talked to so much about leaving that
place; and he always said he must stay there--he must be among the
people, and there was no other place for him in Paddiford. It cuts me to
the heart to see him getting thinner and thinner, and I've noticed him
quite short o' breath sometimes. Mrs. Linnet will have it, Mrs. Wagstaff
half poisons him with bad cooking. I don't know about that, but he can't
have many comforts. I expect he'll break down all of a sudden some day,
and never be able to preach any more.'

'Well, I shall try my skill with him by and by. I shall be very cunning,
and say nothing to him till all is ready. You and I and mother, when she
comes home, will set to work directly and get the house in order, and
then we'll get you snugly settled in it. I shall see Mr. Pittman today,
and I will tell him what I mean to do. I shall say I wish to have you for
a tenant. Everybody knows I'm very fond of that naughty person, Mrs.
Pettifer; so it will seem the most natural thing in the world. And then I
shall by and by point out to Mr. Tryan that he will be doing you a
service as well as himself by taking up his abode with you. I think I can
prevail upon him; for last night, when he was quite bent on coming out
into the night air, I persuaded him to give it up.'

'Well, I only hope you may, my dear. I don't desire anything better than
to do something towards prolonging Mr. Tryan's life, for I've sad fears
about him.'

'Don't speak of them--I can't bea