Page:Ethel Churchill 1.pdf/88

82 Why, the man you were talking to is a first-rate pickpocket—a very clever man. Let me give you a piece of good advice: always be on your guard against strangers; you may be sure that every body wants to take you in." It is amazing how well the hostess contrived, during the two or three days that Walter remained in the house, to illustrate her theory by practice. Weary and dispirited, Walter retired to the little, close chamber which was his bed-room. One must be uncomfortable to be thoroughly out of sorts. A great sorrow forgets every thing but itself; but little sorrows exaggerate themselves and each other. As yet our traveller had to contend with only the smaller order. He sat down in the window-seat, in a most profitless mood of dejection. More than once the sweet face of Ethel rose to his mind's eye; but he glanced round his chamber and dismissed it. He was ashamed of thinking of her in such a position, he felt, with morbid sensitiveness, the social distinction between them. The wings of his