in at the back to render it more private. It looked very gay and comfortable, so roomy and airy; no cramping of limbs, no stifling atmosphere; "so much better," he said, "than an omnibus." Punch had bright scarlet rosettes at his ears, and his ears were beautifully fitted with fine netting, and a bobbing tassel at the top to prevent him from being worried by the flies. A merciful man is merciful to his beast," and John Ford was a very merciful man, and very thoughtful of his horse's comfort.

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The hamper was lifted in, and a small basket containing a tumbler or two, a sly little screw of tobacco for their kind old driver, some cups and saucers, and other et ceteras, were placed in a snug and safe corner; then after much polite fussing from John Ford, and a vast amount of merry chat from Mary Smith, all were at last seated to their entire satisfaction, and Mrs. Wentworth, for the first time since (years ago) she entered CORNER COTTAGE, had turned the keys in the front door and the garden gate, and left her home untenanted.

CHAPTER XI.

THE CARRIER'S CART AND THE CARRIER'S SON.

T

HE van went plea

santly on; not fast, for that was unnecessary, as they had plenty of time. Every thing on the journey served to amuse them, and before they reached Liverpool there was but one opinion regarding the driver, the drive, and the nice saffron-cake,

which was so keenly relished after a couple of hours' travelling.

"Business first, pleasure afterwards, I suppose," "You'll go said John Ford, as they neared the town. to Cope's place first of all. Well, I'll just put up Punch, and have in the other fellow, then off we go again as fresh as daisies."

COPE'S was in a quiet, out-of-the-way street, not

very pleasant-looking; the houses seemed to be all lodging-houses, and had not the comfortable appearance of "homes." Organ-men were in great force, and several popular melodies were being ground out in several parts of the street, which, added to the cries of the many costermongers, created rather a discordant din.

But our travellers were all in good spirits, and not to be discomfited by appearances, or made unhappy by discord.

"You won't send me there, mother," whispered Mary Smith (who had of her own accord adopted that tender name for her good friend), "you won't let me go," she said, clinging fondly to her, "if it isn't a nice place; will you?"

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Surely not, my dear," replied Mrs. Wentworth ; "you shall not go against your will; but it is right we should make all inquiries, as Mrs. Robinson has been so kind as to trouble herself about it, and wishes you to have the chance of the situation."

And now, all turning out of the van, they left John Ford sitting on the front seat with his short pipe between his lips, a slice of cake, and a glass of mild ale by his side. He preferred to stay in the shade there with his horse, he said; so they walked on towards the manufactory.

As they approached the entrance, a tall, good-looking young man stepped towards them, and politely raising his hat, said, "I am George Ford, ma'am, and it is my father's wish that I should meet you here, and show you over the factory." They were all very much

surprised at the address of this tall young man; while old John Ford, sitting afar off, could see what was happening, and quietly enjoyed a triumphant chuckle at the impression his lad had made on the widow and her girls.

Mrs. Wentworth acknowledged that it was an unexpected and delightful meeting. She knew she should see George some time during the day, but she certainly did not expect to have his company so soon; and she could scarcely believe her eyes, that so tall (and she might have said so handsome) a young man could be the "lad" Mr. Ford was so fond of talking about. She was very glad, for she said, "Although it is a manufactory where only women and girls are employed, yet I felt a little nervous, being quite strangers, at going over the place without some one to accompany us. I could not urge your father, when he said, 'he did not care about coming;' but I understand now what I thought then was a little unkind. The dear old friend had provided us with an escort, and a pleasant surprise at the same time, and we shall be quite at ease now. I am very glad indeed to make your acquaintance, Mr. George Ford."

And then they all shook hands, and were quite friendly.

་

"Please, ma'am, don't call me Mr. George Ford; please call me George-plain George. Every body calls me George."

"George, then," said Mrs. Wentworth, laughingly. George was so pleasant, and talked so sensibly, without boring them; and he looked so kind and good-natured, that the little restraint experienced at

first by the presence of so tall and well-dressed a companion quickly wore off, and all were soon sufficiently composed to join in the conversation.

On entering the premises, a busy and novel scene presented itself. In every direction were cigars! cigars!! cigars !!! The buzz of many talkers, and the hum and throb of much machinery, greeted the ear. Passing on through the building, they arrived at the rolling-room; and here there was so much that was interesting to be observed, that they halted for a long time, watching the various workers.

The room was filled (not crowded) with young women, and the floor was covered with heaps upon heaps of tobacco in all its different stages of preparation. George Ford, who volunteered to explain the operations, showed them, first the "sorters," then the "strippers," and told them that the stems or stalks of the tobacco were made into snuff, so that nothing was wasted.

After a thorough investigation of this portion of the work, they passed on to observe the nimble fingers of the busy girls who were making the cigars. They seemed so earnest, so intent upon their occupation, and were so cheerful and healthy-looking, that the visitors all thought it must be easy and pleasant employment.

So, standing in a knot by the long table, they attentively watched the girls place some tobacco in the palms of their hands, and arranging it in shape, roll it firmly up in a large piece of leaf, then trimming the edges of a superior leaf (set aside in a little heap for