An' of course I knows if my boy marries that gel in Cornwall, it'll be the worst chance and change for 'im that 'e's 'ad ever since 'e was born! That magpie comed 'ere to warn me of it!" Mary tried to look serious, but Helmsley was listening to the conversation, and she caught the mirthful glance of his eyes.

So she laughed, and taking Mrs.Twitt by the shoulders, kissed her heartily on both cheeks.
"You're a dear!" she said--"And I'll believe in the magpie if you want me to! But all the same, I don't think any mischief is coming for your son or for you.

I like to hope that everything happening in this world is for the best, and that the good God means kindly to all of us.

Don't you think that's the right way to live ?" "It may be the right way to live," replied Mrs.Twitt with a doubtful air--"But there's ter'uble things allus 'appenin', an' I sez if warnings is sent to us even out o' the mouths o' babes and sucklings, let's accept 'em in good part.

An' if so be a magpie is chose by the Lord as a messenger we'se fools if we despises the magpie.