All were ragged and filthy; the elders bore the unmistakable brand of the gin-shop, and the children were visaged like debased monkeys.

Occasionally a copper fell to them, in return for which the choragus exclaimed 'Gord bless yer!' Thyrza sat in her usual place by the window, now reading for a few minutes, now dreaming.

Lydia had some stockings to be darned; she became at length so silent that her sister turned to look at her.

Her head had dropped forward.

She slumbered for a few minutes, then started to consciousness again, and laughed when she saw Thyrza regarding her.
'I suppose Mary'll be here directly ?' she said.