me, had sought temporary relief in
the stupifying draught,--that worst "medicine of a mind diseased,"--and
those of the same being, freed from her vices, and restored to comfort
and contentment, if not to happiness, by a more prosperous course of
events, was exhibited in the mouth. For the fresh and feverish hue of
lip which years ago characterised this feature, was now substituted a
pure and wholesome bloom, evincing a total change of habits; and, though
the coarse character of the mouth remained, in some degree, unaltered,
it was so modified in expression, that it could no longer be accounted a
blemish. In fact, the whole face had undergone a transformation. All its
better points were improved, while the less attractive ones (and they
were few in comparison) were subdued, or removed. What was yet more
worthy of note was, that the widow's countenance had an air of
refinement about it, of which it was utterly destitute before, and which
seemed to intimate that her true position in society was far above that
wherein accident had placed her.

"Well, Mrs. Sheppard," said the carpenter, advancing to meet her, and
trying to look as cheerful and composed as he could; "what brings you to
town, eh?--Nothing amiss, I trust?"

"Nothing whatever, Sir," answered the widow. "A neighbour offered me a
drive to Paddington; and, as I haven't heard of my son for some time, I
couldn't resist the temptation of stepping on to inquire after him, and
to thank you for your great goodness to us both, I've brought a little
garden-stuff and a few new-laid eggs for you, Ma'am," she added turning
to Mrs. Wood, who appeared to be collecting her energies for a terrible
explosion, "in the hope that they may prove acceptable. Here's a nosegay
for you, my love," she continued, opening her basket, and presenting a
fragrant bunch of flowers to Winifred, "if your mother will allow me to
give it you."

"Don't touch it, Winny!" screamed Mrs. Wood, "it may be poisoned."

"I'm not afraid, mother," said the little girl, smelling at the bouquet.
"How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?"

"Put them where they came from," replied Mrs. Wood, severely, "and go to
bed."

"But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?" implored
Winifred.

"What can it matter to you whether he returns or not, child," rejoined
Mrs. Wood, sharply. "I've spoken. And my word's law--with _you_, at
least," she added, bestowing a cutting glance upon her h