the
dwellers in those houses? No, Sir. I don't know who lives in this court
beside Miss Pix. Nature brought your aunt and Mrs. Manlius together, and
Nature brought you and your aunt together. We will go, however, to Miss
Pix's. It will gratify her. But your aunt is excited about the, for her,
unusual occasion. And now she has seen you. I feared this interview
might overcome her. She is frail; but she is fair, Sir, if I may say so.
She has character; very few have as much,--and I have seen many women.
Did you ever happen to see Martha Jewmer, Mr. Judge?"

Nicholas could not remember that he had.

"Well, Sir, that woman has been in my office twelve times. I got a place
for her each time. And why? Because she has character"; and Mr. Manlius
leaned back to get a full view of character. Before he had satisfied
himself enough to continue his reminiscences, his wife and Mrs. Starkey
returned, bundled up as if they were going on a long sleigh-ride.

"We're ready, S'prian," said Mrs. Manlius. "Eunice thinks she will go
still,"--which was evident from the manner in which Mrs. Starkey had
gathered about her a quantity of ill-assorted wrappers, out of the folds
of which she delivered herself to each and all in a rapid and disjointed
manner; and the party proceeded out of the house, Mrs. Manlius first
shutting and opening various doors, according to some intricate system
of ventilation and heating.

Nicholas gave his arm to his aunt, and, though anxious to speak of many
things, could hardly slip a word into the crevices of her conversation;
nor then did his questions or answers bring much satisfactory response.
He was confused with various thoughts, unable to explain the random talk
of his companion, and yet getting such glimpses of the dreary life she
had led as made him resolve to give her a home that should admit more
sunshine into her daily experience.

They were not kept waiting long at Miss Pix's door, for a ruddy German
girl opened it at their summons; and once inside, Miss Pix herself came
forward with beaming face to give them a Christmas-eve greeting. Mr.
Manlius had intended making the official announcement of the arrival of
the new nephew, but was no match for the ready Mrs. Starkey, who at once
seized upon their hostess, and shook her warmly by the hand, pouring out
a confused and not over-accurate account of her good-fortune, mixing in
various details of her personal affairs. Miss Pix, however, made out the
main