lower-pot beside it.
Doubtless the window, which faced the southern sun, had been left open
by the kind old man in order to cheer the bird and to gladden the plant.
Waife's well-known pipe, and a tobacco-pouch worked for him by Sophys
fairy fingers, lay on a table near the fireplace, between casement and
door; and George saw with emotion the Bible which he himself had given
to the wanderer lying also on the table, with the magnifying-glass which
Waife had of late been obliged to employ in reading. Waife's habitual
neatness was visible in the aspect of the room. To George it was evident
that the very chairs had been arranged by his hand; that his hand had
courteously given that fresh coat of varnish to the wretched portrait
of a man in blue coat and buff waistcoat, representing, no doubt, the
lamented spouse of the hospitable widow. George beckoned to Hartopp
to come also and look within; and as the worthy trader peeped over his
shoulder, the clergyman said, whisperingly, "Is there not something
about a man's home which attests his character?--No 'pleading guilty'
here."

Hartopp was about to answer, when they heard the key turn sharply in
the outer door, and had scarcely time to draw somewhat back from the
casement when Waife came hurriedly into the room, followed, not by
Merle, but by the tall rough-looking horseman whom they had encountered
on the road. "Thank Heaven," cried Waife, sinking on a chair, "out
of sight, out of hearing now! Now you may speak; now I can listen! O
wretched son of my lost angel, whom I so vainly sought to save by the
sacrifice of all my claims to the respect of men, for what purpose do
you seek me? I have nothing left that you can take away! Is it the child
again? See--see--look round-search the house if you will--she is not
here."

"Bear with me, if you can, sir," said Jasper, in tones that were almost
meek; "you, at least, can say nothing that I will not bear. But I am in
my right when I ask you to tell me, without equivocation or reserve, if
Sophy, though not actually within these walls, be near you, in this town
or its neighbourhood?--in short, still under your protection?"

"Not in this town--not near it--not under my protection; I swear."

"Do not swear, father; I have no belief in other men's oaths. I believe
your simple word. Now comes my second question--remember I am still
strictly in my right--where is she?--and under whose care?"

"I will not say. One reason why I have abando