She certainly began well enough by staying modestly at a lodging in the village to give her attendance at the examinations, as it might be required; nothing could look more innocent and respectable so far; but her hiding the property between the mattresses of her bed--the very first place that any experienced man would think of looking in--was such an amazingly stupid thing to do, that I really can't account for it, unless her mind had more weighing on it than it was able to bear, which, considering the heavy stakes she played for, is likely enough.

Anyhow, her hands are tied now, and her tongue too, for the matter of that.

Give my respects to your mistress, and tell her that her runaway husband and her lying maid will never either of them harm her again as long as they live.

She has nothing to do now but to pluck up her spirits and live happy.

Here's long life to her and to you, William, in the last glass of ale; and here's the same toast to myself in the bottom of the jug." With those words Mr.Dark pocketed his large snuff-box, gave a last wink with his bright eye, and walked rapidly away, whistling, to catch the London coach.