enough to own that you mean to be a drunkard."

"I didn't say any such thing," said Jack, indignantly.

"Perhaps I have ears," remarked Aunt Rachel, sententiously, "and
perhaps I have not. It's a new thing for a nephew to tell his aunt
that she lies. They didn't use to allow such things when I was
young.--But the world's going to rack and ruin, and I shouldn't much
wonder if the people are right that says it's comin' to an end."

Here Mrs. Crump happily interposed, by asking Jack to go round to
the grocery, in the next street, and buy a pint of milk.

Jack took his cap and started, with alacrity, glad to leave the
dismal presence of Aunt Rachel.

He had scarcely opened the door when he started back in surprise,
exclaiming, "By hokey, if there isn't a basket on the steps!"

"A basket!" repeated Mrs. Crump, in surprise. "Can it be a New
Year's present? Bring it in, Jack."

It was brought in immediately, and the cover being lifted there
appeared a female child, of apparently a year old. All uttered
exclamations of surprise, each in itself characteristic.

"What a dear, innocent little thing!" said Mrs. Crump, with true
maternal instinct.

"Ain't it a pretty 'un?" said Jack, admiringly.