I went with Fixem in the usual way--there was a year's rent in arrear; a very small servant-girl opened the door, and three or four fine-looking little children was in the front parlour we were shown into, which was very clean, but very scantily furnished, much like the children themselves.
"Bung," says Fixem to me, in a low voice, when we were left alone for a minute, "I know something about this here family, and my opinion is, it's no go." "Do you think they can't settle ?" says I, quite anxiously; for I liked the looks of them children.

Fixem shook his head, and was just about to reply, when the door opened, and in come a lady, as white as ever I see any one in my days, except about the eyes, which were red with crying.

She walked in, as firm as I could have done; shut the door carefully after her, and sat herself down with a face as composed as if it was made of stone.

"What is the matter, gentlemen ?" says she, in a surprisin' steady voice.

"_Is_ this an execution ?" "It is, mum," says Fixem.