ith hidden anxiety.

This time it was George who spoke, inquiring, 'Is there anything to croak
about, then?'

'I want an answer to my question, and, by gad, I'll have it!' exclaimed
his father, bringing his fist down on the table with a crash.

'No; he was very cheerful, as he always is. And now, sir, perhaps you
will be good enough to answer my question,' said George, who spoke very
quietly but decidedly.

Sarah gave her brother an approving look.

'What question? Oh, whether there's anything to croak about? Not in my
opinion; but your uncle---- But there, it's no good taking any notice of
him. He'd build a palace for his hands to work in and live in, and stop
in that old mill all his life, would Bill Howroyd,' replied Mr Clay; and,
frowning heavily, the millionaire got up from the table.

'I say, mother, would you mind if I went for a week's shooting to
Scotland?' inquired her son.

'No, dearie; no. You go; it'll do you good. I suppose it's some o' your
college friends as 'ave asked you? Yes, you go; there's nothin' for you
to do 'ere,' said the fond mother.

'And what about me? What am I to do if you go off and leave me all alone?
I shall go melancholy mad in this hole of a place!' cried Sarah.

''Ole!--w'en it's on the top o' a 'ill! W'at silly nonsense you do talk,
child! 'Ole, indeed!' said Mrs Clay.

'It is rather rough luck to leave you in your holidays; but Cockburn has
asked me so often. Couldn't you ask some one to stay with you--one of
your schoolfellows, perhaps?' George suggested.

'Nice, comfortable house this is to ask any one to stay in!' said Sarah
sarcastically.

'It's as comfortable as any o' theirs, if it isn't a great deal better,'
cried her mother.

'I'd sooner live in Naomi's home if I'd my choice,' said Sarah gloomily.

'Sarah is right in one way, mother,' said George before Mrs Clay could
say anything. 'It is not very comfortable to have constant disturbances
in one's home; and the governor is very easily angered.'

'Yes, dear, I know,' agreed Mrs Clay, who adored her son, and thought
everything he did or said perfection. 'An' it's 'ard for you an' Sarah,
for you don't understan' your father, nor ain't used to 'im as I am. But
that's not a bad idea o' yours that Sarah should ask one o' the young
ladies at 'er school to come an' stay 'ere for a bit.--There's that Miss
Cunning'am that you've got the photograph o' in your room. She's got a
nice, 'omely face.'

'She's a duke's g