ODOUR OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS

the small train was imminent. Suddenly the
engine loomed past the house and came to a stop
opposite the gate.

The engine-driver, a short man with round grey
beard, leaned out of the cab high above the woman.

"Have you got a cup of tea ? " he said in a cheery,
hearty fashion.

It was her father. She went in, saying she would
mash. Directly, she returned.

" I didn't come to see you on Sunday," began
the little grey-bearded man.

" I didn't expect you," said his daughter.

The engine-driver winced; then, reassuming his
cheery, airy manner, he said :

" Oh, have you heard then ? Well, and what do
you think ---- ? "

" I think it is soon enough," she replied.

At her brief censure the little man made an
impatient gesture, and said coaxingly, yet with
dangerous coldness :

" Well, what's a man to do ? It's no sort of life
for a man of my years, to sit at my own hearth like
a stranger. And if I'm going to marry again it may
as well be soon as late -- what does it matter to
anybody ? "

The woman did not reply, but turned and went
into the house. The man in the engine-cab stood
assertive, till she returned with a cup of tea and a
piece of bread and butter on a plate. She went up
the steps and stood near the footplate of the hissing
engine.

" You needn't 'a' brought me bread an' butter,"
said her father. " But a cup of tea " -- he sipped