ical
figures which I took to represent flowers, completed the one effort,
whilst familiar texts of Scripture, after the style of "Thou God Seest
Me," made up the other.

The third frame was of mahogany like the others, and contained a
collection of deep, black-edged funeral cards of ancient date.

But the fireplace! My father's description of a real, old-fashioned
Yorkshire range was understood now for the first time, as I saw the
high mantelpiece, the deep oven and the wide-mouthed grate and chimney,
in which the yellow flames were dancing merrily, covering the whole
room with the amber glow which made it so warm and enticing. Through
an open door I caught sight of a white counterpane, and found that
there was, after all, a wee bedroom built out at the back.

Drawn quite close to the hearthrug was a round deal table covered with
a snowy cloth. Two minutes later I was seated there, sipping tea and
eating toast, deliciously crisp and hot, and taking my new friend into
my confidence.

I confess it pleased me to find that my mad proposal was all as natural
as the sunshine to her. The dear old soul never uttered one word of
warning or suggestion. She was delighted with the scheme I rapidly
evolved and ready to be my willing helper. I won her affection at once
when I told her that I was a "Yorkshireman," and she took me to her
heart and begged me to let her "mother" me. I lost my own mother
before I had learned to value her, and I think I shall like to be
"mothered," though I shall be thirty-five in April.

God bless Mother Hubbard! I must tell how I took the cottage to-morrow.

CHAPTER II

FARMER GOODENOUGH STATES HIS TERMS

A fee of one penny, paid in advance, lent wings to the feet of the
small boy who was pressed into my service, and before many minutes had
passed Farmer Goodenough appeared upon the scene.

He shook hands with me, after Mother Hubbard had performed the ceremony
of introduction, and I can feel the warmth of his greeting in my right
hand yet. I shall be careful in future when I get to close grips with
big, horny-handed Yorkshire farmers.

I almost regretted that I had felt it necessary to explain the
situation to him when I heard his hearty and somewhat patronising
laugh, but Mother Hubbard's previous treatment had emboldened me.

"Well, I do declare, Miss..." he hesitated and looked at me
inquiringly, for my hostess had not mentioned my name.

"Grace Holden is my name, and I