It seemed to be a great relief that they were not come to complain of Lucy, and there were many looks of surprise on hearing what their business really was.

Mrs.Taylor thanked them, and appeared not to know whether she was glad or sorry; and her husband, pipe in hand, gazed at the young gentleman as if he did not comprehend the species, since he could not be old enough to be a clergyman.
Richard hoped they would find sponsors by that time; and there Mrs.
Taylor gave little hope; it was a bad lot--there was no one she liked to ask to stand, she said, in a dismal voice; but there her husband put in, "I'll find some one if that's all; my missus always thinks nobody can't do nothing." "To be sure," said the lamentable Mrs.Taylor, "all the elder ones was took to church, and I'm loath the little ones shouldn't; but you see, sir, we are poor people, and it's a long way, and they was set down in the gentleman's register book." "But you know that is not the same, Mrs.Taylor.Surely Lucy could have told you that, when she went to school." "No, sir, 'tis not the same--I knows that; but this is a bad place to live in--" "Always the old song, missus!" exclaimed her husband.

"Thank you kindly, sir--you have been a good friend to us, and so was Dr.May, when I was up to the hospital, through the thick of his own troubles.

I believe you are in the right of it, sir, and thank you.

The children shall be ready, and little Jack too, and I'll find gossips, and let 'em christened on Sunday." "I believe you will be glad of it," said Richard; and he went on to speak of the elder children coming to school on Sunday, thus causing another whining from the wife about distance and bad weather, and no one else going that way.