CHAPTER XVII.
Plotting.
Mr.Stevens awoke at a very early hour the ensuing morning, and quite unceremoniously shook his wife to arouse her also.

This he accomplished after considerable labour; for Mrs.Stevens was much more sleepy than usual, in consequence of her husband's restlessness the previous night.
"I declare," said she, rubbing her eyes, "I don't get any peace of my life.
You lie awake, kicking about, half the night, muttering and whispering about no one knows what, and then want me to rise before day.

What are you in such, a hurry for this morning,--no more mysteries, I hope ?" "Oh, come, Jule, get up!" said her husband, impatiently.

"I must be off to my business very early; I am overburthened with different things this morning." Mrs.Stevens made a very hasty toilette, and descended to the kitchen, where the little charity-girl was bustling about with her eyes only half open.

With her assistance, the breakfast was soon prepared, and Mr.Stevens called downstairs.