worth, counting them as they were brought in. "Now Jessie, my dear, put a chair for Mr. Ford; and Margaret will pour him out a cup of tea. He must not leave us without some refreshment, after working so hard for us, and being so kind.”

The carrier was much gratified by these attentions, and seemed greatly to enjoy the cup of tea. But his horse was tired, too; so he couldn't stay long. Frank lighted a spill, and holding it before him, said, "Here's a light, Mr. Ford. It's quite cold enough tonight for a smoke-isn't it? I know where you carry your pipe and tobacco."

"Oh! you do, do you, my little man? Well, then, with mother's leave, I'll light up; and thank ye! I'm a lone, old man, now; and my pipe's like a companion to me. I sit at home, times and often, puffing out the smoke, and watching it curl up and up, until I find myself dreaming of all sorts of queer things, and of all manner of people—of old times, and old friends, who have been gone many a long year. All seems to come round me when I've got my pipe; and it makes me happy, like, to sit a-dreaming over bygones. I am sure I ought to be happy, although I am a good deal alone. But God has been very merciful to me; and I ain't ungrateful. He's blessed me with a good son, good health, and good friends; and I try to show that I'm very thankful, in my own poor way. But I know there's some as blames me for not going to church regular; but I can't do it. It makes me miserable to hear that poor gentleman. He does his best, of course; and it isn't for the like of me to find

fault: but it quite upsets me for all day, to see him trying with his poor old eyes, and weak, shaking voice, when he ought to be in his easy chair, with a basin of gruel before him, and his Bible at his side. He's worked enough, I'm sure; for he's been here, they say, for half a century; and I don't know where, and all before he came here. But he won't give in till he's obliged; and I can't go any oftener to hear him ; so folk must say what they like. But my pipe's well alight now, so I'll be off. I know you are all longing to be at the new things, and your mother must be tired and hungry, too; so good-bye! I wish you all manner of pleasure over them. They've been well earned, I'm sure. And you'll all be so smart when I come again, that I shall be obliged to put on my best kicksies to pay you a visit." So saying, the kind old man departed; and they all sat down to their comfortable meal, each of them eager to wait upon their mother until she was refreshed. The good tea soon produced that effect; and the widow was so pleased with the pretty arrangements made to honour her re ́turn, and so admired the flowers and the nice appearance of her darlings, that not to keep them long in suspense, she commenced the display of her purchases directly the tea-things were removed.

First, there were new boots for all-fine stout boots, just fit for the country roads; a good thick blanket and counterpane for each bed; a pretty hearth-rug for the sitting-room, which was not yet furnished, and a commoner one for the kitchen; a lot of useful crockery and glass ware, some cooking utensils

and candlesticks; and an immense store of groceries, including a fine piece of bacon, a Dutch cheese, and some butter. Then, when all had been examined and admired, the widow produced a parcel carefully wrapped in a silk handkerchief, and showed the contents to the wondering children. Her dear grandfather's antique watch! It was again in her possession; and a brass-headed nail was immediately knocked in the wall over the mantelpiece, the watch wound (for it kept beautiful time), and hung up for use and ornament; and before bed-time the blankets were aired and put on the beds, the crockery all displayed to advantage on the little dresser, the stores all in their several jars and canisters, the rugs laid down, boots tried on, and every thing in perfect order; so that they could contemplate the improvements with great satisfaction, as they sat together, to hear the mother tell of her journey to the great town which was their birthplace, and where they had known so much, both of joy and sorrow.

CHAPTER V.

FRANK'S SECRET.

RANK'S occupation of gardening, at Mrs. Barnard's and at home, kept him now constantly employed; for as the seasons came round, summer and winter, seed-time and harvest, each brought its own requirements, and compelled him to use his head as well as his

hands for the welldoing of his mother's

piece of ground, and the proper arrangement of Mrs. Barnard's.

But the third winter brought a little change, for the weather was very severe, frost and snow for several weeks, ice in all the ponds; and as little or no work

could be done in the garden, Frank had many an hour's fun on the ice.

The Wentworths were so much better off than they had been for many previous winters, that they did not mind the severity of the weather, and Frank, wellclothed and fed, was greatly pleased at having to shovel away the snow from the paths, which he made into a huge man in one corner of the garden; and as his three shillings a week was still earned, by helping Tufts to keep the Grange garden clear and neat, he was perfectly content that the winter should last months instead of weeks.

Mrs. Wentworth's business had steadily increased, and as most days in the week she managed to have a bit of meat for dinner, and a glass of beer at suppertime, she and the children were all much better and stronger than when they first came to the cottage. They laboured hard all the week, and on Sunday, when they had no cooking (for they always prepared their little dinner the day before-a meat-pie, a piece of salt-beef, or a few bones of neck of mutton, all very good to be eaten cold), they put on their best clothes, and went together to church.

It may seem strange that all this time there has been no mention of the clergyman, except by Mr. Ford, but the truth is, Mrs. Wentworth knew nothing of him but his name. Mr. Calvert was very aged, so much so, that the exertion of two full services was almost beyond his strength, and rendered him an invalid for the remainder of the week. Four times a year, when the Holy Sacrament was administered, a