"I'm sure such Things as that ought not to occur," says Lady _Betty_, dabbing her Forehead with some Essence, "so well as the Poor are provided for." "Oh yes, especially this _Christmas_," says Mr. _Sandys_ carelessly--"for, you know, a great many Hogs were seized by the Church-wardens and Overseers of _St. George's_ Parish, that were kept in private Houses and Yards contrary to the Statute made and provided; whereby the Poor, of that Parish at least, if they had not their _Christmas_ Beef, had their _Christmas_ Pork; for it was distributed among them." "Not gratis, though," said the _Doctor_. "No, but very cheap;" said Mr. _Sandys_. "So I understood." "I wonder you should understand or hear Anything about it, _Harry_," says Lady _Betty_ contemptuously. "Well, _Aunt_, I happened to hear it named by Mr. _Arbuthnot_." "When is Mr. _Arbuthnot_ to marry Lady _Grace_?" says Mr. _Caryl_. "After Lent, I believe," said the _Doctor_,--"They that marry in _Lent_ will live to repent." "Why so?" says Lady _Betty_. "Nay, Madam, ask your Chaplain. I suppose People should not be feasting when they ought to be fasting." "Ah, that's it, no Doubt," says Lady _Betty_--"Let us have Tea now, _Gatty_; and Plenty of _Genoa_ Macaroons." The next Time I went up Stairs, which was not till after Dark, they were all playing at Brag. As I went down, a sudden Blast of Wind from the front Door of the House blew my Candle out, and I groped along into the Shop, muttering, "Who on Earth can be standing in the Draught such a cold Night as this?" At the same Moment I caught a Glimpse of a Couple of dusky Figures standing in the Doorway, and heard, in earnest Under-tones, the Words, "_Gatty!_ is that you?" "Mr. _Heavitree_! can it be you? What in the World can have brought you here, and at this Time of Night?"--"To be with you, dearest _Gatty_, in case of your being alarmed, and--and--in case of Anything happening...." I would not overhear another Word, but went straight into the Parlour and lit my Candle, saying quietly to my _Mother_, "There's Mr. _Heavitree_ outside, talking to _Gatty_." "Have him in!" cries my _Father_, whose Ears were quicker than I thought, "I want to see what the young Chap is like."--"Hush, _Father_, he'll overhear you--Maybe he will prefer saying a few Words to _Gatty_ by herself first." "Very likely, very likely," says my _Father_ chuckling--"but I hope he won't go away without coming in, for all that." I now thought I might go out again with the Candle, and set it in the Shop; but the Current of Air from the Door again nearly blew it out, though I screened it with my Hand. The Stream of Light fell upon _Gatty_, who turned about and said, "_Patty_, here's an old Acquaintance,--I'm sure I may ask him in, may not I?" "And welcome," said I. "I am almost too dirty to be seen," says Mr. _Heavitree_, coming in. "Why, you are all muddy from Head to Foot," cries _Gatty_, "What _can_ you have been doing?"