hen says he never
did sleep in a four-poster, and often wondered what it would be like--no
more did I, so I would like to take him by surprise, you see. Then I
want to git--"

"Well?" said Haco, when she paused.

"I'm awful keen to git a carpit, but I doubt I'm thinkin' o' too many
things. D'ye think the first year's--what d'ye call it?"

"Interest," said Haco.

"Ay, interest--would pay for all that?"

"Yes, an' more," said the skipper confidently.

"If I only knew how much it is to be," said Mrs Gaff thoughtfully.

At that moment the door opened, and Kenneth Stuart entered, followed by
his friend Gildart Bingley. After inquiring as to her welfare Kenneth
said:

"I've come to pay you the monthly sum which is allowed you by the
Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Mr Bingley asked me to call as he could
not do so; but from all accounts I believe you won't need it. May I
congratulate you on your good fortune, Mrs Gaff."

Kenneth took out his purse as he spoke to pay the sum due to her.

Mrs Gaff seemed to be struck with a sudden thought. She thanked
Kenneth for his congratulations, and then said:

"As to my not needin' the money you've brought me, young man, I take
leave to say that I _do_ need it; so you'll obleege me by handin' it
over."

Kenneth obeyed in surprise not unmingled with disappointment in finding
such a grasping spirit in one whom he had hitherto thought well of. He
paid the money, however, in silence, and was about to take his leave
when Mrs Gaff stopped him.

"This sum has bin paid to me riglarly for the last three months."

"I believe it has," said Kenneth.

"And," continued Mrs Gaff, "it's been the means o' keepin' me and my
Tottie from starvation."

"I'm glad to hear it," returned Kenneth, who began to wonder what was to
follow; but he was left to wonder, for Mrs Gaff abruptly asked him and
Gildart to be seated, as she was anxious to find out a fact or two in
regard to principal and interest.

Gildart could scarce avoid laughing as he glanced at his companion.

"Now," began Mrs Gaff, seating herself opposite Kenneth, with a hand on
each knee, "I wants to know what a principal of ten thousand pounds
comes to in the way of interest in a twel'month."

"Well, Mrs Gaff," said Kenneth, "that depends--"

"Dear me!" cried Mrs Gaff petulantly, "every mortial thing that has to
do with money seeps to _depend_. Could ye not tell me somethin' about
it, now, that doesn't depend?"

"Not