Th' old church is as black as my hat." "I thought as much," said Mr.Raby.

"There, go and get your supper." Soon after this Grace went up to bed, and Jael came to her, and they talked by the fire while she was curling her hair.

She was in high spirits, and Jael eyed her with wonder and curiosity.
"But, miss," said Jael, "the magpie was right.

Oh, the foul bird! That's the only bird that wouldn't go into the ark with Noah and his folk." "Indeed! I was not aware of the circumstance." "'Twas so, miss; and I know the reason.

A very old woman told me." "She must have been very old indeed, to be an authority on that subject.
Well, what was the reason ?" "She liked better to perch on the roof of th' ark, and jabber over the drowning world; that was why.