How did it happen ?" "The Lord knows, my dear, Ay don't, for Ay've walked up that street four or five times every day the last faive years, and never done such a thing afore.

But there--" and he began to gurgle again, to Valmai's horror, "there must always be a beginning to everything, so Ay slipped on a d--d stone, somehow or other, and, being no light weight, broke my leg, and sprained my wrist into the bargain.

Take off your things, may dear.

Are you up for nursing an old man till he's well again ?" "Indeed, I'll do my best, whatever," said Valmai, taking off her hat and cloak.

"Uncle Essec said I was to stay until you were quite well." "That's raight.