This coat had furnished a subject for many an hour of talk between them, and now as they waited they amused themselves with anticipation of what Mr.Boddy would say, what he would think, how joyfully he would throw aside that one overcoat he did possess--a garment really too far gone, and with no pretence of warmth in it.

Thyrza introduced a note of sadness by asking: 'What 'll happen, Lyddy, if he gets that he can't earn any thing ?' 'I sometimes think of that,' Lydia replied gravely.

'We couldn't expect the Bowers to keep him there if he couldn't pay his rent.

But I always hope that we shall be able to find what he needs.

It isn't much, poor grandad! And you see we can always manage to save something, Thyrza.' 'But it wouldn't be enough--nothing like enough for a room and meals, Lyddy.' 'Oh, we shall find a way Perhaps'-- she laughed--'we shall have more money some day.' Two rings at the bell on the lower landing announced their visitor's arrival.