Clara Hopgood

'I have left him.'

'Are you sure?' 'Quite.'

'For ever?'

'For ever!' Mrs Marshall let go Madge's hand, turned her eyes towards her

intently for a moment, and again bent over her as if she were about

to embrace her. A knock, however, came at the door, and Mrs Caffyn

entered with the cup of coffee which she always insisted on bringing

before Madge rose. After she and her daughter had left, Madge read

the letter once more. There was nothing new in it, but formally it

was something, like the tolling of the bell when we know that our

friend is dead. There was a little sobbing, and then she kissed her

child with such eagerness that it began to cry.

'You'll answer that letter, I suppose?' said Mrs Caffyn, when they

were alone.

'No.'

'I'm rather glad. It would worrit you, and there's nothing worse for

a baby than worritin' when it's mother's a-feedin it.'

Mr Caffyn wrote as follows:

'DEAR SIR,--I was sorry as you couldn't come; but I believe now as it

was better as you didn't. I am no scollard, and so no more from your

obedient, humble servant, 'MRS CAFFYN.

'P.S.--I return the money, having no use for the same.