I wish you wouldn't speak so disrespectfully of Herman's
mother. If she tries to prevent him from coming to see me, it is because
she thinks it her duty to do so, believing of me as badly as she does."

"Yes! I do not know how you can breathe under such a suspicion! It would
smother me!"

"I can bear it because I know it to be false, Hannah; and soon to be
proved so! Only one day more, Hannah! only one day!" exclaimed Nora,
gleefully clapping her hands.

They finished their supper, set the room in order, lighted the candle,
and sat down to the knitting that was their usual evening occupation.

Their needles were clicking merrily, when suddenly, in the midst of
their work, footsteps were heard outside.

"There he is now!" exclaimed Nora gayly, starting up to open the door.

But she was mistaken; there he was not, but an old woman, covered with
snow. .

"Law, Mrs. Jones, is this you?" exclaimed Nora, in a tone of
disappointment and vexation.

"Yes, child--don't ye see it's me? Le'me come in out'n the snow,"
replied the dame, shaking herself and bustling in.

"Why, law, Mrs. Jones, you don't mean it's snowing!" said Hannah,
mending the fire, and setting a chair for her visitor.

"Why, child, can't you see it's a-snowing--fast as ever it can? been
snowing ever since dark--soft and fine and thick too, which is a sure
sign it is agoing to be a deep fall; I shouldn't wonder if the snow was
three or four feet deep to-morrow morning!" said Mrs. Jones, as she
seated herself in the warmest corner of the chimney and drew up the
front of her skirt to toast her shins.

"Nora, dear, pour out a glass of wine for Mrs. Jones; it may warm her
up, and keep her from taking cold," said Hannah hospitably.

Wine glass there was none in the hut, but Nora generously poured out a
large tea-cup full of fine old port that had been given her by Herman,
and handed it to the visitor.

Mrs. Jones' palate was accustomed to no better stimulant than weak toddy
made of cheap whisky and water, and sweetened with brown sugar.
Therefore to her this strong, sweet, rich wine was nectar.

"Now, this ere is prime! Now, where upon the face of the yeth did you
get this?" she inquired, as she sniffed and sipped the beverage, that
was equally grateful to smell and taste.

"A friend gave it to Nora, who has been poorly, you know; but Nora does
not like wine herself, and I would advise you not to drink all that, for
it would certainly get in your hea