magnetic repulsion of poverty and degradation. Poor Mary was once more happy; and, accompanying her "friend," she trudged along to the place where the _envied_ stimulant awaited her. As they were slowly wending their way along the West Port, the people, as some of them afterwards stated, looked earnestly at the couple, without being able to explain the sympathy which brought them together; for already Hare was upon the rise in society, with a new coat and hat, and even a tie; but the presence of the _gentleman_ did not prevent the children from pursuing their old game of teazing Mary, nor could the threatenings of her protector keep them off. At this juncture, who should approach from the opposite direction but the colleague. The mutual smile--yea, more. Would Burke, who had the character of being serviceable to the unfortunate, permit Mary Haldane to be abused while he was present? He would protect the friendless; and so the boys got a drubbing, and injured misfortune was vindicated. Having accomplished this act of justice, Burke, who had now so little to do, and was so far above cobbling, proceeded on what had been intended as a pleasant stroll, while his friend and Mary held their way to Log's lodgings. In a short time he was seen to return with a quicker step; and by and by they are all assembled in the little dark room "with the window looking out on the dead wall"--where the women, who knew that the money was getting exhausted, received them with their peculiar welcome.