She said I must have a suit against winter, if--if--she could afford it.

She winced rather at the 'if,' Heaven bless her! I knew what was in her mind.

And then she fell to telling me about the black pig that must be killed, and that she had found the speckled hen's nest that morning, whose eggs I liked so, and other such trifling talk.

Some of these eggs were for breakfast, and I ate them with a good appetite; but in helping myself to salt I spilled it, on which she started up with a scream.

'THANK GOD,' said she, 'IT'S FALLEN TOWARDS ME.' And then, her heart being too full, she left the room.