Gilbert again stopped, and, disregarding the crowds about him, lost himself in thought.

He determined at length to go his way.
Mrs.Grail had supper ready, with some mince pies of her own making.
'Each lot I make,' she said, as they sat down, 'I say to myself they'll be the last.' 'No, no, mother; we shall eat a good many together yet,' Gilbert replied, cheerily.

The wind had brought a touch of colour to his cheeks and made his eyes glisten.
'Have you taken any upstairs ?' he asked presently.
'No, my dear.

Do you think I may ?' 'Oh, I should think so.' The old lady looked at him and grew thoughtful.
There was no work to rise to on the morrow.

With a clear conscience Gilbert could sit on into the still hours which were so precious to him.