Page 131 (1/1)

I

The weather forecasts had been in the right; and the few that struggled hoainst a south-ind that tore, laden with driving rain, up the streets and across the open spaces, till the very lights were di panes that seemed half opaque with hted ed that the houses were inhabited

So fierce was the clamor and storlihts above the doors, or here and there a line of brightness where sons of human life Outside the broad pavements stared like surfaces of so every spark or hint of light froli wetness

The housekeeper's roohtful froust asseid etiquette and ancient rite Its s looked on to the little square garden at the back, but were now tight shuttered and curtained; and the room was a very model of comfort and warmth Before the fire a square table was drawn up, set out with pudding and fruit, for it was here that the upper servants withdrew after the cold meat and beer of the servants' hall, to be waited upon by the butler's boy: and it was round this that the four sat in state--housekeeper, butler, lady's maid, and cook

It was already after ten o'clock; and Mr Parker was perar They had discussed the weather, the ser, and the prospects of a Dissolution; and they had onceenacted upstairs They were getting accustoreat deal to say, unless they repeated themselves, which they had no objection to do Their attitude was one of tolerant skepticisreeable tendency on the part of Miss Baker to becoenerally conceded, was a respectable sort of man, with an air about hiht to be a pity that he lent hio dish with a will of her own; and her ladyship, of course, ht