le, "you are always suggesting how happy the
world would be without us."

Bindle removed his cigar from his mouth and, bending forward towards
Mrs. Little, remarked impressively, "You got 'old o' the wrong end o'
the stick, mum. I ain't got nothink to say agin women. I likes the
ladies."

"But," broke in Little, "didn't you solemnly warn me, Bindle? Now own
up."

"That's quite correct," replied Bindle, with undisturbed composure. "I
did as I would like a mate to do by me, I jest put up me 'and like an'
said, 'Dangerous crossin' 'ere,' same as they do for motors."

"But you say you are not a woman-hater; I don't understand." Mrs.
Little screwed up her pretty face in what Little regarded as a most
provoking manner.

"Well, mum, you're sort o' mixin' up women an' wives. I ain't got
nothink to say against women provided they don't marry yer. When they
do they seems to change." Bindle paused, then with unconscious
philosophy added, "P'r'aps it's because they find out all about yer."

The silence that ensued was broken by Bindle. "I s'pose," he said
thoughtfully, "I'd sort o' miss my little bit of 'eaven if anythink wos
to 'appen to 'er. Fancy goin' 'ome an' no one there to say, 'Got a
job?'"

There was a note in Bindle's voice which constrained Little and his
wife to silence. After a minute's pause he added:

"It can't be all 'oney livin' with an 'eathen such as me."

For fully five minutes no one spoke. It was again Bindle who broke the
silence.

"It was you, sir, o' course, wot played that little game on 'Earty?"

"What, the Theodore Hook joke?" enquired Little.

Bindle looked puzzled. "I mean the dogs an' 'ousekeepers an' orphans.
I felt sorry for 'Earty then." And Bindle laughed in spite of himself.

"It was a cruel jest, whoever played it," said Mrs. Little with
decision; and looking meaningly at her husband she added, "I hope I
shall never know who did it, or I should speak very bluntly."

Dick Little looked uncomfortable, and Bindle created a diversion by
rising.

"Well, I must be 'oppin' it," he remarked genially. "I enjoyed this
little talk."

Dick Little preceded him into the hall. Bindle stepped back into the
room.

"Miss--mum, I mean," he said awkwardly, "you ain't inclined to be
religious, are yer?"

There was such earnestness in his voice that Mrs. Little checked the
laugh that was upon her lips.

"No, Mr. Bindle, I'm afraid I'm not at all a good person."

Bindle heav