, and when he returned to his happy home
at night, told the story to his wife, and there is no doubt that the
strong sympathy of these two kind hearts supported Gladys through the
ordeal of that trying time.

In the evening Walter took himself off to Bridgeton, reluctant to go,
yet anxious to hear further particulars regarding the flight of Liz. He
arrived at the dreary house, to find his mother engaged with the weekly
wash. Now, there was no reason why the washing should be done at night,
seeing she had the whole day at her disposal; but it seemed to take
these hours to rouse her up to sufficient energy. She was one of those
unhappy creatures who have no method, no idea of planning, so that the
greatest possible amount of work can be done in the shortest, and at the
most fitting time. This habit of choosing unfavourable and unseasonable
hours for work, which upsets the whole house, had, no doubt, in the
first instance, helped to drive her husband outside for his company. She
looked round from the tub, and gave her son a nod by way of greeting,
but did not open her mouth. Her little kitchen was full of steam, the
floor swimming in soapsuds, the whole appearance of the place suggestive
of confusion and discomfort. Walter picked his way across the floor, and
sat down on the window-box, his favourite seat.

'Always washing at night yet, mother?' he said discontentedly. 'Have you
no time through the day?'

'No; it's meat-makin' frae mornin' till nicht. This is the only time
there's a meenit's peace,' she answered stolidly.

'You'll have one less to cook for now, then,' he said gloomily. 'When
did Liz go off? and have you any idea where she's gone?'

Mrs. Hepburn shook her head.

'I was oot a' Tuesday nicht, an' when I cam' in, on the back o' eleeven,
she was aff, bag an' baggage. Mrs. Turnbull says she gaed doon the stair
wi' her Sunday claes on, an' carryin' her tin box, a wee efter aicht.
"Are ye for jauntin', Liz?" says she; but Liz never gi'ed her an answer,
guid or bad, an' that's a' I ken.'

'Did she never give a hint that she was thinking of going?' Walter
asked.

'No' her. Liz was aye close, as close as yersel',' said his mother
rather sarcastically. 'She's aff, onyhoo.'

'Do you think she has gone away with any one--a man, I mean?' asked
Walter then, and his face flushed as he asked the question.

'I couldna say, I'm sure,' answered his mother, with a stolid
indifference which astonished even him. 'Ye k