COMMUTER'S WIFE 25 



ash bin insisted upon perching on the shoulder of 

 my smart new coat and rubbing against my face. 



As we entered the door, all talking at once, there 

 stood Martha Corkle herself, the stains of travel 

 removed, clean, respectful, severe. I knew that 

 she had a headache. Oh! why had she not gone 

 comfortably to bed just that one night? 



Father ejaculated, " Bless me ! " then shook her 

 cordially by the hand, never noticing that she was 

 shocked ; but in the evening meal and long fireside 

 confidences I again quite forgot her. 



This will never do ! While I have been day- 

 dreaming they have brought the sand and dumped it 

 in the wrong place ! 



