ne with him in at least a mechanically
friendly manner.

The opening event had been thus different from her expectation, and she
had adumbrated no act to meet it. Taken aback she passively allowed
circumstances to pilot her along; and so the voyage was made.

It was near dusk when they touched the pier of Giant's Town, where
several friends and neighbours stood awaiting them. Her father had a
lantern in his hand. Her mother, too, was there, reproachfully glad that
the delay had at last ended so simply. Mrs. Trewthen and her daughter
went together along the Giant's Walk, or promenade, to the house, rather
in advance of her husband and Mr. Heddegan, who talked in loud tones
which reached the women over their shoulders.

Some would have called Mrs. Trewthen a good mother; but though well
meaning she was maladroit, and her intentions missed their mark. This
might have been partly attributable to the slight deafness from which she
suffered. Now, as usual, the chief utterances came from her lips.

'Ah, yes, I'm so glad, my child, that you've got over safe. It is all
ready, and everything so well arranged, that nothing but misfortune could
hinder you settling as, with God's grace, becomes 'ee. Close to your
mother's door a'most, 'twill be a great blessing, I'm sure; and I was
very glad to find from your letters that you'd held your word sacred.
That's right--make your word your bond always. Mrs. Wace seems to be a
sensible woman. I hope the Lord will do for her as he's doing for you no
long time hence. And how did 'ee get over the terrible journey from Tor-
upon-Sea to Pen-zephyr? Once you'd done with the railway, of course, you
seemed quite at home. Well, Baptista, conduct yourself seemly, and all
will be well.'

Thus admonished, Baptista entered the house, her father and Mr. Heddegan
immediately at her back. Her mother had been so didactic that she had
felt herself absolutely unable to broach the subjects in the centre of
her mind.

The familiar room, with the dark ceiling, the well-spread table, the old
chairs, had never before spoken so eloquently of the times ere she knew
or had heard of Charley Stow. She went upstairs to take off her things,
her mother remaining below to complete the disposition of the supper, and
attend to the preparation of to-morrow's meal, altogether composing such
an array of pies, from pies of fish to pies of turnips, as was never
heard of outside the Western Duchy. Baptista,