“Cheer up, sir,” said Mrs. Crupp. “I can’t abear to see you so, sir: I’m a mother myself.”

I did not quite perceive the application of this fact to myself , but I smiled on Mrs. Crupp, as benignly as was in my power.

“Come, sir,” said Mrs. Crupp. “Excuse me. I know what it is, sir. There’s a lady in the case.”

“ Mrs. Crupp?” I returned, reddening.