I gave up reading newspapers years ago, and I much regret that I broke though my rule to-day." As if to indicate to her that he did not wish for any more conversation, the lodger then did what he had never done before in his landlady's presence.

He went over to the fireplace and deliberately turned his back on her.
She went down and brought up the glass of milk and the lump of sugar he had asked for.
Now he was in his usual place, sitting at the table, studying the Book.
When Mrs.Bunting went back to the others they were chatting merrily.

She did not notice that the merriment was confined to the two young people.
"Well ?" said Daisy pertly.

"How about the lodger, Ellen?
Is he all right ?" "Yes," she said stiffly.

"Of course he is!" "He must feel pretty dull sitting up there all by himself--awful lonely-like, I call it," said the girl.
But her, stepmother remained silent.
"Whatever does he do with himself all day ?" persisted Daisy.
"Just now he's reading the Bible," Mrs.Bunting answered, shortly and dryly.
"Well, I never! That's a funny thing for a gentleman to do!" And Joe, alone of her three listeners, laughed--a long hearty peal of amusement.
"There's nothing to laugh at," said Mrs.Bunting sharply.