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186 very. He listened with a quiet, good-natured smile, and at length took a seat in compliance with her pressing invitations, but repeated that he did not mean to stay.

"I have another place to go to," said he, "and I see" (glancing at the book on the table) "some one else has been reading to you."

"Yes sir, Miss Grey has been as kind as read me a chapter; an' now she's helping me with a shirt for our Bill—but I'm feared she'll be cold there. Won't you come to th' fire, Miss?"

"No, thank you Nancy, I'm quite warm. I must go as soon as this shower is over."

"Aw Miss! You said you could stop while dusk!" cried the provoking old woman, and Mr. Weston seized his hat.

"Nay sir," exclaimed she, "pray don't go now, while it rains so fast!"

"But, it strikes me I'm keeping your visiter away from the fire."

"No you're not Mr. Weston," replied I, hoping there was no harm in a falsehood of that description.

"No, sure!" cried Nancy, "What, there's lots o' room!"