ng lest Mrs. Hoggarty should speak of it abruptly to her; as I
knew in her anger she would do. But he came in an hour panting back, to
say that Mrs. H. had packed and locked her trunks, and had gone off in a
hackney-coach. So, knowing that my poor Mary was not to return till
night, Hoskins remained with me till then; and, after a dismal day, left
me once more at nine, to carry the dismal tidings to her.

At ten o'clock on that night there was a great rattling and ringing at
the outer door, and presently my poor girl fell into my arms; and Gus
Hoskins sat blubbering in a corner, as I tried my best to console her.

* * * * *

The next morning I was favoured with a visit from Mr. Blatherwick; who,
hearing from me that I had only three guineas in my pocket, told me very
plainly that lawyers only lived by fees. He recommended me to quit
Cursitor Street, as living there was very expensive. And as I was
sitting very sad, my wife made her appearance (it was with great
difficulty that she could be brought to leave me the night previous)--

"The horrible men came at four this morning," said she; "four hours
before light."

"What horrible men?" says I.

"Your aunt's men," said she, "to remove the furniture they had it all
packed before I came away. And I let them carry all," said she; "I was
too sad to look what was ours and what was not. That odious Mr. Wapshot
was with them; and I left him seeing the last waggon-load from the door.
I have only brought away your clothes," added she, "and a few of mine;
and some of the books you used to like to read; and some--some things I
have been getting for the--for the baby. The servants' wages were paid
up to Christmas; and I paid them the rest. And see! just as I was going
away, the post came, and brought to me my half-year's income--35_l_.,
dear Sam. Isn't it a blessing?"

"Will you pay my bill, Mr. What-d'ye-call-'im?" here cried Mr. Aminadab,
flinging open the door (he had been consulting with Mr. Blatherwick, I
suppose). "I want the room for _a gentleman_. I guess it's too dear for
the like of you." And here--will you believe it?--the man handed me a
bill of three guineas for two days' board and lodging in his odious
house.

* * * * *

There was a crowd of idlers round the door as I passed out of it, and had
I been alone I should have been ashamed of seeing them; but, as it was, I
was only thinking of my dear dear wife, who was leaning trustfully on my
arm, and s