In the next room sat a woman of perhaps fifty engaged in knitting. It was very easy to see that she could never have possessed the perishable gift of beauty. Hers was one of the faces on which nature has written PLAIN, in unmistakable characters. Yet if the outward features had been a reflex of the soul within, few faces would have been more attractive than that of Hester Cameron. At the feet of the sexton's wife, for such she was, reposed a maltese cat, purring softly by way of showing her contentment. Indeed, she had good reason to be satisfied. In default of children, puss had become a privileged pet, being well fed and carefully shielded from all the perils that beset cat-hood. “Home so soon?” said Hester inquiringly, as her husband opened the door. “Yes, Hester, and I have brought company with me,” said the sexton. “Company!” repeated his wife. “Who is it?” “It is a poor boy, who was accidentally locked up in the church last night.” “And he had to stay there all night?” “Yes; but perhaps it was lucky for him, for he had no other place to sleep, and not money enough to pay for one.” “Poor child!” said Hester, compassionately. “Is it not terrible to think that any human creature should be without the comforts of a home which even our tabby possesses. It ought to make you thankful that you are so well cared for, Tab.” The cat opened her eyes and winked drowsily at her mistress. “So you brought the poor boy home, Hugh?” “Yes, Hester,--I thought we ought not to begrudge a meal to one less favored by fortune than ourselves. You know we should consider ourselves the almoners of God's bounties.” “Surely, Hugh.” “I knew you would feel so, Hester. And suppose we have the chicken for dinner that I sent in the morning. I begin to have a famous appetite. I think I should enjoy it.” Hester knew perfectly well that it was for Paul's sake, and not for his own, that her husband spoke. But she so far entered into his feelings, that she determined to expend her utmost skill as cook upon the dinner, that Paul might have at least one good meal. “Now I will bring the boy in,” said he. “I am obliged to go to work, but you will find some way to entertain him, I dare say.” “If you will come out (this he said to Paul), I will introduce you to a new friend.” Paul was kindly welcomed by the sexton's wife, who questioned him in a sympathizing tone about his enforced stay in the church. To all her questions Paul answered in a modest yet manly fashion, so as to produce a decidedly favorable impression upon his entertainer.