And yet while her elder was alive and out of bed, the habit of the village was to listen to her say, unless any man of equal age arose to countervail it.

But while they were thus divided, Mrs.Cockscroft came, and they stood aside.

For she had been kind to everybody when her better chances were; and now in her trouble all were grieved because she took it so to heart.

Joan Cockscroft did not say a word, but glanced at the child with some contempt.

In spite of white linen and yellow gold, what was he to her own dead Robin?
But suddenly this child, whatever he was, and vastly soever inferior, opened his eyes and sent home their first glance to the very heart of Joan Cockscroft.