Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. I, 1889.djvu/250

 under the shadow of those gently falling lids. A kind word, and with what purity of silent gratitude the grey pupils responded! A merry word, and mark if the light does not glisten on them, if the diffident lips do not form a smile which you would not have more decided lest something of its sweetness should be sacrificed.

“Now come and tell me what you think about baby,” cried Bessie. “Will he do? Don’t pay any attention to my husband; he’s a vulgar man!”

Jane stepped forward.

“I’m sure he looks very nice, Mrs. Byass.”

“Of course he does, bless him! Sam, get your coat on, and brush your hat, and let Miss Snowdon teach you how to behave yourself. Well, we’re going to leave the house in your care, Jane. We shall be back some time to-morrow night, but goodness knows when. Don’t you sit up for us.”

“You know where to wire to, if there’s a fire breaks out in the back kitchen,” observed Samuel facetiously. “If you hear footsteps