The Lord only knows when I shall get anything to do, and it ain't very likely to be a thousand a year when it does come.' 'Oh, that's all right,' replied the landlady, as if sordid calculation were a thing impossible to her.

'I can't say as you behaved quite straightforward years ago, Mr.Snowdon, but I ain't one to make a row about bygones, an' as you say you'll put it all straight as soon as you can, well, I won't refuse to trust you once more.' Mr.Snowdon lay back in the chair, his hands in his waistcoat pockets, his legs outstretched upon the fender.

He was smiling placidly, now at the preparing breakfast, now at Clem.

The latter he plainly regarded with much admiration, and cared not to conceal it.

When, in a few minutes, it was announced to him that the meal was ready, he dragged his chair up to the table and reseated himself with a sigh of satisfaction.