104 



CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



wrought so fair a change in your once untoward look, 

 and ill name : earth's tears of penitence and Promise ! 

 I who have taught you by anxious toil through many 

 a long dull day that serene and smiling look you wear 

 this lovely morning, which even in your plain face 

 betokens something good at heart. Well! may he 

 who wins deserve, as many a sad heart has said, 

 after all its watchful care, in cases not altogether dis- 

 similar. Now let us see something of the suitors ! ' 



This last remark seemed to have reference to the 

 heap of letters ' marked 1 to 14/ but before the 

 action could be suited to the word, it was arrested by 

 something which aforetime has arrested a good many 

 words and actions : a gentle KNOCK. 



1 1 say, Mr. Bowles, have you seen tins farm that "s advertised here T ' 



