n to the business of the supper table, and then
Mrs. Bounder asked,--

'What are they goin' to du with the French emperor?'

'Buonaparte?' (Christopher called it 'Buonaparty.') 'Well, they'll have
to get rid of him somehow. I suppose that job'll come on me.'

'I was thinkin'. Our Dolly's gittin' old'--

'Buonaparty was old some time ago,' returned Christopher, with a sly
twinkle of his eyes as he looked at his wife.

'There's work in him yet, ain't there?'

'Lots!'

'Then two old ones would be as good as one young one, and better, for
they'd draw the double waggin. What'll they ask for him?'

'It'll be what I can get, I'm thinking.'

'What did you pay for him?'

Christopher named the sum the colonel had given. It was not a high
figure; however, he knew, and she knew, that a common draught horse for
their garden work could be had for something less. Mrs. Bounder
meditated a little, and finally concluded,--

'It won't break us.'

'Save me lots o' trouble,' said Christopher; 'if you don't mind paying
so much.'

'If _you_ don't mind, Christopher,' his wife returned, with a grin.
'I've got the money here in the house; you might hand it over to Miss
Esther to-morrow; I'll bet you she'll know what to du with it.'

Christopher nodded. 'She'll be uncommon glad of it, to be sure! There
ain't much cash come into her hands for a good bit. And I see sometimes
she's been real worrited.'

So Esther's path was smoothed in more ways than one, and even in more
ways than I have indicated. For Mrs. Bounder went over and insinuated
herself (with some difficulty) so far into Mrs. Barker's good graces
that she was allowed to give her help in the multifarious business and
cares of the moving. She was capital help. Mrs. Barker soon found that
any packing intrusted to her was sure to be safely done; and the little
woman's wits were of the first order, always at hand, cool, keen, and
comprehensive. She followed, or rather went with the waggon to the
house in Major Street; helped unpack, helped put down carpets, helped
clear away litter and arrange things in order; and further still, she
constantly brought something with her for the bodily refreshment and
comfort of Esther and the housekeeper. Her delicious rye bread came,
loaf after loaf, sweet butter, eggs, and at last some golden honey.
There was no hindering her; and her presence and ministry grew to be a
great assistance and pleasure also to Esther. Esther tried to tell her