there would have been nothing whatever to talk about. As it was, the little groups talked quietly, discussing the atrocity or the merits of the local midwives, comparing the circumstances of their various confinements. 'You'll be 'avin' your little trouble soon, eh, Polly?' asked one good lady of another. 'Oh, I reckon I've got another two months ter go yet,' answered Polly. 'Well,' said a third. 'I wouldn't 'ave thought you'd go so long by the look of yer!' 'I 'ope you'll have it easier this time, my dear,' said a very stout old person, a woman of great importance. 'She said she wasn't goin' to 'ave no more, when the last one come.' This remark came from Polly's husband. 'Ah,' said the stout old lady, who was in the business, and boasted vast experience. 'That's wot they all says; but, Lor' bless yer, they don't mean it.' 'Well, I've got three, and I'm not goin' to 'ave no more bli'me if I will; 'tain't good enough--that's wot I says.' 'You're abaht right there, ole gal,' said Polly, 'My word, 'Arry, if you 'ave any more I'll git a divorce, that I will.' At that moment an organ-grinder turned the corner and came down the street. 'Good biz; 'ere's an organ!' cried half a dozen people at once. The organ-man was an Italian, with a shock of black hair and a ferocious moustache. Drawing his organ to a favourable spot, he stopped, released his shoulder from the leather straps by which he dragged it, and cocking his large soft hat on the side of his head, began turning the handle. It was a lively tune, and in less than no time a little crowd had gathered round to listen, chiefly the young men and the maidens, for the married ladies were never in a fit state to dance, and therefore disinclined to trouble themselves to stand round the organ. There was a moment's hesitation at opening the ball; then one girl said to another: 'Come on, Florrie, you and me ain't shy; we'll begin, and bust it!' The two girls took hold of one another, one acting gentleman, the other lady; three or four more pairs of girls immediately joined them, and they began a waltz. They held themselves very upright; and with an air of grave dignity which was quite impressive, glided slowly about, making their steps with the utmost precision, bearing themselves with sufficient decorum for a court ball. After a while the men began to itch for a turn, and two of them, taking hold of one another in the most approved fashion, waltzed round the circle with the gravity of judges. All at once there was a cry: 'There's Liza!' And several members of the group turned and called out: 'Oo, look at Liza!' The dancers stopped to see the sight, and the organ-grinder, having come to the end of his tune, ceased turning the handle and looked to see what was the excitement. 'Oo, Liza!' they called out. 'Look at Liza; oo, I sy!'