She resumed her seat by the fire with a groan, and accepted Ellen's offer of a glass of spirits-and-water with a doleful shake of her head.
"Didn't I tell you so ?" she whispered, as Mrs.Whitelaw handed her the comforting beverage.
The stranger was evidently on the point of departure.

There was a sound of wheels on the gravel outside the parlour window--the familiar sound of Stephen Whitelaw's chaise-cart; and that gentleman was busy helping his visitor on with his great-coat.
"I shall be late for the last train," said the stranger, "unless your man drives like the very devil." "He'll drive fast enough, I daresay, if you give him half-a-crown," Mr.
Whitelaw answered with a grin; "but don't let him go and do my horse any damage, or you'll have to pay for it." "Of course.

You'd like to get the price of a decent animal out of me for that broken-kneed hard-mouthed brute of yours," replied the stranger with a scornful laugh.

"I think there never was such a money-grubbing, grinding, grasping beggar since the world began.

However, you've seen the last shilling you're ever likely to get out of me; so make the best of it; and remember, wherever I may be, there are friends of mine in this country who will keep a sharp look-out upon you, and let me know precious quick if you don't stick to your part of our bargain like an honest man, or as nearly like one as nature will allow you to come.