k, when her lord compelled it, expressed
deep sympathy rather than assent.

"Consequently," perorated Mr. Mortimer, "I conceive my personal
obligations to Mr. Hucks to be satisfied; practically satisfied, even in
law; as keen men of business, and allowing for contingencies, satisfied
abundantly. To liquidate the seven pounds fifteen and six owing to your
master you have, on your own admission, six-seven-nine in hand. We--my
Arabella and I--are offered a fortnight here at forty-four shillings
_per_ week between us. Not princely, I own. But suffer me to remind
you that it realises the dream, as perchance it affords the opportunity,
of a lifetime. She will be Ophelia. She, the embodiment (I dare to say
it) of Shakespeare's visionary heroine, will realise his conception
here, on this classic ground. And if, at short notice, I must content
myself with doubling the parts of Guildenstern and First Gravedigger,
believe me I do so cheerfully, pending fuller--er--recognition."

"My Stanislas demeans himself by accepting them," said Mrs. Mortimer,
still with her eyes on her knitting.

"I should hope so, my poppet. Still, there is Fat in the First
Gravedigger; and as our Gallic neighbours put it, everything comes to
him who knows how to wait."

"All very well," observed Sam, withdrawing the pipe from his mouth.
"But 'ow about the children? I put it to _you_, ma'am."

"Ah, poor things!" sighed Mrs. Mortimer, and hesitated. She was about
to say more, when her husband interrupted--

"I trust--I sincerely trust--that my failings, such as they are, have
ever leaned to the side of altruism. Throughout life I have been apt to
injure myself in befriending others; and you see "--Mr. Mortimer
flourished a hand--"where it has landed me. We have convoyed these
children to Stratford, to use the language of commerce, as _per_
contract. To ask me--to ask Mrs. Mortimer--to dance attendance upon
them indefinitely, at the sacrifice of these golden prospects--"

But at this point someone tapped at the door.

"Come in!" called Sam, swinging around in his chair, and with that,
jumping to his feet, let out a cheerful "hooray!"

"Same to you," said Tilda, nodding, as she admitted Arthur Miles and
closed the door behind him. "Anything to eat in this public?"

"I'll order in supper at once," said Sam.

"No you won't; not for five minutes any'ow. Well, 'ere we are--and 'ow
'ave you three been gettin' along since I saw yer last?