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 the figures of a man carrying a lantern, and of a woman who stood behind him in the doorway. Hepworth got down from the gig, and assisted Elisabeth to alight. She stood waiting while he gave some directions to the man as to the disposal of the horse. At his bidding she then followed her new master into the kitchen. A middle-aged woman of a somewhat grim, but not unpleasant countenance, stood by the great fireplace when they entered, evidently superintending certain cooking operations which gave forth an inviting odour. She looked questioningly from Hepworth to Elisabeth.

"Now, Mally," said Hepworth. "I've found a young woman to do the bit of work we talked about. Elisabeth's her name—I'm sure you'll get on together. I daresay you'll tell her all that she wants to know, but she'll be tired to-night, so we won't ask her to do anything."

"There's nowt to do," said Mally, triumphantly. She looked at Elisabeth, and