her
embarrassment only arose from shyness, and that the moment he
could explain himself she would be his obedient and grateful
servant. Meantime Mary sat down opposite to the curate, and
listened to him as he unfolded his errand awkwardly enough. An
execution was threatened in the house of a poor struggling widow,
whom Mrs. Porter had employed to do needlework occasionally, and
who was behind with her rent through sickness. He was afraid that
her things would be taken and sold in the morning, unless she
could borrow two sovereigns. He had so many claims on him, that
he could not lend her the money himself, and so had come out to
see what he could do amongst those who knew her.

By the time Grey had arrived at the end of his story, Mary had
made up her mind--not without a little struggle--to sacrifice the
greater part of what was left of her quarter's allowance. After
all, it would only be wearing cleaned gloves instead of new ones,
and giving up her new riding-hat till next quarter. So she jumped
up, and said gaily, "Is that all, Mr. Grey? I have the money, and
I will lend it her with pleasure. I will fetch it directly."

She tripped off to her room, and soon came back with the money;
and just then the butler came in with tea, and Mary asked Mr.
Grey to take some. He looked tired, she said, and if he would
wait a little time, he would see her mother, who would be sure to
do something more for the poor woman.

Grey had risen to leave, and was standing, hat in hand, ready to
go. He was in the habit of reckoning with himself strictly for
every minute of his day, and was never quite satisfied with
himself unless he was doing the most disagreeable thing which
circumstances for the time being allowed him to do. But greater
and stronger men than Grey, from Adam downwards, have yielded to
the temptation before which he now succumbed. He looked out of
the corners of his eyes; and there was something so fresh and
bright in the picture of the dainty little tea-service and the
young lady behind it, the tea which she was beginning to pour out
smelt so refreshing, and her hand and figure looked so pretty in
the operation, that, with a sigh of departing resolution, he gave
in, put his hat on the floor, and sat down opposite to the
tempter.

Grey took a cup of tea, and then another. He thought he had never
tasted anything so good. The delicious rich cream, and the
tempting plate of bread and butter were too much for him. He
fai