ded, nodding to Owen; "you must do as she bids you
though."

The old man did not even put out a finger as Owen advanced to take his
hand to wish him good night, but said, pointing to Kezia, who just then
entered the room, "There she is; go with her."

"How impatient you are, Mr Fluke, this evening," exclaimed the dame.
"In half a minute more I should have been here, and saved you from
bawling yourself hoarse. I know how the time goes, I should think, at
my age."

Her master made no reply, but merely attempted to whistle, while Kezia,
turning to Owen, said, "Come along, my child." She led him up an oaken
staircase into a room of fair proportions, in which, although the
furniture was of a sombre description, there stood a neat
dimity-curtained bed.

"There, say your prayers and go to bed," said Kezia. "I will come in
presently to tuck you up, and to take away your candle."

"Thank you," said Owen; "you are indeed very kind."

"No, I ain't kind, I just do what I think right," answered the dame,
who, if she did not pride herself on being an original, evidently was
one. "The old man told me that you had lost your parents, and you'll
feel the want of some one to look after you. I once had a little boy
myself. He grew to be bigger than you are, but he was never strong or
hearty. He used to go to the office every day of his life, hot or cold,
rain or sunshine, wet through or dry; he died from over work. It was
more my fault than the old man's though, so I don't blame him, for I
ought to have kept the poor boy in bed instead of letting him go out and
get wet through and through as he did time after time; but I'll take
care that it is not your fate," and Mrs Kezia sighed. "I must not
stand prating here though."

She came in according to her promise. Having carefully tucked him up,
she stooped down and kissed his brow.

"Thank you, thank you," said Owen. The tears rose to his eyes, and he
felt more happy than he could have supposed possible.

"Have you said your prayers?" asked Kezia.

"Yes, I never forget to do that," answered Owen.

"Good night, my child," she said; "the Lord watch over you and keep
you." Taking the light she left him.

His slumbers were peaceful. Kezia took care to call him betimes in the
morning.

"The old man is off early, and he would not be pleased if you were not
ready to start with him," she said.

When Owen came down he saw Mr Fluke in the garden, holding a conference
with