her, notwithstanding, for nearly two hours, as she sat looking at the fire, until he was again called out.

After another absence, he again returned.

‘Well?’ said my aunt, taking out the cotton on that side again.

‘Well, ma’am,’ returned Mr. Chillip, ‘we are — we are progressing slowly, ma’am.’

‘Ya — a — ah!’ said my aunt. With such a snarl at him, that Mr. Chillip absolutely could not bear it. It was really calculated to break his spirit, he said afterwards.

He preferred to go and sit upon the stairs, in the dark and a strong draught, until he was again sent for.