“Gracious!” was the exclamation which amazement elicited from Mrs. Lammle.

“There! I knew you’d wonder. But you won’t mention it, will you?”

“Upon my word, my love,” said Mrs. Lammle, “you make me ten times more desirous, now I talk to you, to know you well than I was when I sat over yonder looking at you. How I wish we could be real friends! Try me as a real friend. Come! Don’t fancy me a frumpy old married woman, my dear; I was married but the other day, you know; I am dressed as a bride now, you see. About the chimney-sweeps?”

“Hush! Ma’ll hear.”

“She can’t hear from where she sits.”