ODOUR OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS

" Mind ! " warned Rigley. " Ah've said many a
time as Ah'd fill up them ruts* in this entry, sumb'dy
'll be breakin' their legs yit."

She recovered herself and walked quickly along
with the miner.

" I don't like leaving the children in bed, and
nobody in the house," she said.

" No, you dunna ! " he replied courteously. They
were soon at the gate of the cottage.

" Well, I shanna be many minnits. Dunna you
be frettin'* now, 'e'll be all right," said the butty.

" Thank you very much, Mr. Rigley," she replied.

" You're welcome ! " he stammered, moving
away. " I shanna be many minnits."

The house was quiet. Elizabeth Bates took off
her hat and shawl, and rolled back the rug. When
she had finished, she sat down. It was a few
minutes past nine. She was startled by the rapid
chuff of the winding-engine at the pit, and the sharp
whirr of the brakes on the rope as it descended
Again she felt the painful sweep of her blood, and
she put her hand to her side, saying aloud, " Good
gracious ! -- it's only the nine o'clock deputy* going
down," rebuking herself.

She sat still, listening. Half an hour of this, and
she was wearied out.

" What am I working myself up like this for ? "
she said pitiably to herself, " I s'll only be doing
myself some damage."

She took out her sewing again.

At a quarter to ten there were footsteps. One
person ! She watched for the door to open. It was
an elderly woman, in a black bonnet and a black