ou, and--well, you will know how to treat
them. After all, you must bear in mind that in the eye of the law every
man is innocent until he is proven guilty. Adopt that view of the case
yourself. You needn't fear anything from Cobb or his wife. Only be
reasonably prudent."

"I've no fear that they will try to do us any harm," said I; "and
I would greatly enjoy visiting the old house. Perhaps we could go
to-morrow."

"The day after. You'd better go down to Liverpool to-morrow with the
young lady, and return by the night train."

That day saw the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship between
Hester and Mrs. Earl. When we left next morning to go to Hester's home
in Liverpool, she promised to return soon for a long visit. By ten
o'clock we were well out of smoky London, on the way that I had already
traversed once before, with a cheerful heart most creditable to me under
the circumstances. Mrs. Chaffin was waiting for us at the gate when we
alighted in front of the old wood-colored cottage--that haven of weary
legs in days gone by. Phil (who had lengthened noticeably in the service
of Valentine, King & Co.) was there, too, and all the rest of the
Chaffin household in Sunday clothes. Mrs. Chaffin was quite beside
herself with joy.

"Dear-a me!" said the good lady, after the salutations were over.
"Dear-a sakes! How you've growed! I didn't think you'd ever live to get
s' big. I thought as 'ow som' 'arm 'd come to ye when ye went away, an'
Hester--"

"Mamma!" exclaimed Hester, with a reproving glance. "Don't tell him."

"I'm that fidgety I don't know what I'm sayin'. The Lord bless us, but
ye must be hungry!" said the good woman, as she spread the table for
dinner. She had guessed rightly, and Hester bustled about, helping
her mother get the dishes on the table, with a critical eye to all the
arrangements. Rayel was much amused by the children, the youngest of
whom had climbed upon his knee and was taking liberties with his cravat.
He was wholly unaccustomed to the pranks of children, and we frequently
rallied to his defence. He seemed to enjoy them, however, and was soon
involved in a spree at which both Hester and I laughed heartily.

"This herring ain't extra good, sir, but I 'ope it won't go ag'in' ye,"
said Mrs. Chaffin to Rayel, as we sat down to the table.

He seemed in doubt for a moment as to what it would be proper to say in
reply to this well-intended remark.

"I have never eaten a herring, madam," sa