his landlady's presence. He went over to the fireplace and
deliberately turned his back on her.

She went down and brought up the glass of milk and the lump of
sugar he had asked for.

Now he was in his usual place, sitting at the table, studying the
Book.

When Mrs. Bunting went back to the others they were chatting
merrily. She did not notice that the merriment was confined to the
two young people.

"Well?" said Daisy pertly. "How about the lodger, Ellen? Is he
all right?"

"Yes," she said stiffly. "Of course he is!"

"He must feel pretty dull sitting up there all by himself--awful
lonely-like, I call it," said the girl.

But her, stepmother remained silent.

"Whatever does he do with himself all day?" persisted Daisy.

"Just now he's reading the Bible," Mrs. Bunting answered, shortly
and dryly.

"Well, I never! That's a funny thing for a gentleman to do!"