I left the scarcely-tasted breakfast, and went and rested my head on another table, in a corner of the little room, which Minnie hastily cleared, lest I should spot the mourning that was lying there with my tears.

She was a pretty, good-natured girl, and put my hair away from my eyes with a soft, kind touch; but she was very cheerful at having nearly finished her work and being in good time, and was so different from me! Presently the tune left off, and a good-looking young fellow came across the yard into the room.

He had a hammer in his hand, and his mouth was full of little nails, which he was obliged to take out before he could speak.
'Well, Joram!' said Mr.Omer.

'How do you get on ?' 'All right,' said Joram.

'Done, sir.' Minnie coloured a little, and the other two girls smiled at one another.
'What! you were at it by candle-light last night, when I was at the club, then?
Were you ?' said Mr.Omer, shutting up one eye.
'Yes,' said Joram.