"Mary Garrett's mother is better, and Mary came back to the school this morning, and I shall have four new girls next week from the Foundry Close--they would have come to-day but for the snow."

     "Indeed!"

     "Mr. Oliver pays for two."

     "Does he?"

     "He means to give the whole school a treat at Christmas."

     "I know."

     "Was it your suggestion?"

     "No."

     "Whose, then?"

     "His daughter's, I think."

     "It is like her: she is so good-natured."

     "Yes."

     Again came the blank of a pause: the clock struck eight strokes. It aroused him; he uncrossed his legs, sat erect, turned to me.