It was the best thing that could have happened, for immediately her hand was bandaged, Miss Yard's interest became centred in that, and she forgot there was anything else to worry about. When the doctor called next day, he was advised to say nothing about affairs internally, but to concentrate all his ability, and his bedside manner, upon the outward and manifest sting; with the result that Miss Yard was pronounced out of danger within forty-eight hours; by which time George had vacated the premises and made room for Percy. Hardly had he driven away when there came a knock upon the back door, and when Kezia went to answer it, she found the Wallower in Wealth standing there, with twenty-five shillings in his hand and a bargaining expression on his face. Having inquired after the well-being of every one in the house, and made a few remarks upon the climate, he stated that he had lately enjoyed a conversation with the blacksmith, who had declared there never was a machine he couldn't mend and, if the musical box were brought to his forge, he would speedily compel it to play all kinds of music. "What's it all about?" asked Kezia; and, as she put the question, Bessie crossed the road. Upon those rare occasions when she happened to be at home, there was nothing going on in the house opposite which Bessie did not contemplate from her upstairs window. "Mr. Drake promised me the musical box," explained the visitor, who had watched the departure of George before setting out on his expedition. "It ain't his, and he knows it. And you knows it too," said Kezia warmly, "else you wouldn't ha' waited till he'd gone away." "Gone away, has he!" exclaimed the Wallower in Wealth. "You give me his address and I'll send the money on to him." "That musical box belongs to me," said Kezia. This was a critical moment in Bessie's career; to have yielded then would have meant the complete abandonment of all her rights in furnishings. She did not hesitate in declaring war upon her ancient ally with two steely words: "'Tis mine!" "I'm surprised to hear you say such a thing, Bessie Mudge; and Miss Sophy lying ill in bed too," replied Kezia. "Mrs. Drake left me the musical box, and I ha' got writing to prove it, and me and Robert are only waiting vor Miss Sophy's funeral to take it." "Mrs. Drake said I wur to have all the furniture in the house." "I wouldn't like to have to call you anything," said Bessie. "And I'd be cruel sorry to fancy you craved to hear the like," retorted Kezia. Then they paused to think out new ideas, and to place their arms in more aggressive attitudes. "When furniture be left to more than one person simultaneous, 'tis usual to divide it," explained the Wallower of Wealth. "Half a musical box b'ain't of no use to me." "Nor me."