mised me the allowance; but that is not enough to pay the rent, and all the other things we owe. Besides, how are we to get on when that's gone? I dare say I shall get no more from him till you come back."
"I'll be d—d if I know what you're to do," answered the man, "unless you choose to do what I tell you. I can't afford to pay the piper any longer, and I won't, that's flat. And now I'll thank you to let me have a little sleep, for I must be up at daylight to be ready for the coach. I hope that girl will be ready. Did you tell her to be punctual?"
"Oh, yes, she'll be ready," answered the lady. "But before you go to sleep do listen to a few words I have to say to you; for, perhaps, it may be long before you return. I have been thinking that if I could contrive to get money enough to set me up in some sort of little shop that would provide me and my child with bread, that I needn't be a burden to you or any body else; and I want you to help me to this."
"I can't help you to what I haven't got," answered the man in a drowsy tone.
"Yes, you could," answered she, "if you would persuade him to do it. Tell him that I would on that condition renounce the allowance
