to see you again," said Richard. "I hope you are
not disappointed that I've brought my sister this time instead of the
doctor."

"No, no, sir; I've done with the doctor for this while," said the old
woman, to Ethel's great amusement. "He have done me a power of good, and
thank him for it heartily; but the young lady is right welcome here--but
'tis a dirty walk for her."

"Never mind that," said Ethel, a little shyly, "I came--where are your
grandchildren?"

"Oh, somewhere out among the blocks. They gets out with the other
children; I can't be always after them."

"I wanted to know if these would fit them," said Ethel, beginning to
undo her basket.

"Well, 'pon my word! If ever I see! Here!" stepping out to the door,
"Polly--Jenny! come in, I say, this moment! Come in, ye bad girls, or
I'll give you the stick; I'll break every bone of you, that I will!" all
which threats were bawled out in such a good-natured, triumphant voice,
and with such a delighted air, that Richard and Ethel could not help
laughing.

After a few moments, Polly and Jenny made their appearance, extremely
rough and ragged, but compelled by their grandmother to duck down, by
way of courtesies, and, with finger in mouth, they stood, too shy to
show their delight, as the garments were unfolded; Granny talking so
fast that Ethel would never have brought in the stipulation, that the
frocks should be worn to school and church, if Richard, in his mild, but
steady way, had not brought the old woman to listen to it. She was full
of asseverations that they should go; she took them to church sometimes
herself, when it was fine weather and they had clothes, and they could
say their catechiz as well as anybody already; yes, they should come,
that they should, and next Sunday. Ethel promised to be there to
introduce them to the chief lady, the president of the Committee, Mrs.
Ledwich, and, with a profusion of thanks, they took leave.

They found John Taylor, just come out of the hospital, looking weak and
ill, as he smoked his pipe over the fire, his wife bustling about at
a great rate, and one of the infants crying. It seemed to be a great
relief that they were not come to complain of Lucy, and there were many
looks of surprise on hearing what their business really was. Mrs. Taylor
thanked them, and appeared not to know whether she was glad or sorry;
and her husband, pipe in hand, gazed at the young gentleman as if he
did not comprehend the species, since