You have had a long holiday, Alley; you must now learn once more to work for your poor father.

Ah, you have been d----d sly; but never mind the past--I forgive it.

You must not run away again without my leave; if you are fond of sweethearts, I won't balk you--but your old father must go shares, Alley." Alice could hear no more: she covered her face with the cloak that had been thrown about her, and though she did not faint, her senses seemed to be locked and paralysed.

By and by Walters woke, and the two men, heedless of her presence, conversed upon their plans.

By degrees she recovered sufficient self-possession to listen, in the instinctive hope that some plan of escape might be suggested to her.