over while Mrs. Corney was moralising; and the water slightly

'Drat the pot!' said the worthy matron, setting it down very

hastily on the hob; 'a little stupid thing, that only holds a

couple of cups! What use is it of, to anybody! Except,' said

Mrs. Corney, pausing, 'except to a poor desolate creature like

With these words, the matron dropped into her chair, and, once

more resting her elbow on the table, thought of her solitary

fate. The small teapot, and the single cup, had awakened in her