Now, Madam, there's a simple operation, called trepanning, you have heard of it, which would afford him such a chance, but fearing its failure they won't try it, although they allege that without it _he must die_, d'ye see ?--ay, _die he must_, without a cast for his life if you won't try it.' And so, by harping on the alternatives, and demonstrating the prudence, humanity, and duty of action, and the inevitably fatal consequences of the other course, he wrought upon her at last to write a note to Surgeon Dillon to come out on the evening following, and to perform the operation.

The dreadful word 'to-day,' the poor little woman could not abide.

She pleaded for a respite, and so, half-distracted, fixed to-morrow.
'I hope, my dear Madam, you've some little confidence in me.

I think I have shown an interest, and I've striven to be of use.' 'Oh, Sir, Mr.Dangerfield, you've been too good, our guardian angel; but for you, Sir, we should not have had a roof over our heads, or a bed to lie on; oh! may--' 'Well, Ma'am, you please to speak too highly of my small services; but I would plead them, humble as they are, as a claim on your confidence, and having decided upon this wise and necessary course, pray do not say a word about it to anybody but myself.

I will go to town, and arrange for the doctor's visit, and you'll soon, I hope, have real grounds for gratitude, not to me, Ma'am, but to Heaven.'.