libels our own old happy state, and gives its title to an ugly and

distorted image.

Thursday arrived, and there was no alteration in the old man. But a

change came upon him that evening as he and the child sat silently

together.

In a small dull yard below his window, there was a tree - green and

flourishing enough, for such a place - and as the air stirred among its

leaves, it threw a rippling shadow on the white wall. The old man sat

watching the shadows as they trembled in this patch of light, until the

sun went down; and when it was night, and the moon was slowly

rising, he still sat in the same spot.

To one who had been tossing on a restless bed so long, even these few

green leaves and this tranquil light, although it languished among

chimneys and house-tops, were pleasant things. They suggested quiet

places afar off, and rest, and peace. The child thought, more than

once that he was moved: and had forborne to speak. But now he shed

tears - tears that it lightened her aching heart to see - and making as

though he would fall upon his knees, besought her to forgive him.

Forgive you - what?' said Nell, interposing to prevent his purpose. 'Oh

grandfather, what should I forgive?'

All that is past, all that has come upon thee, Nell, all that was done in

that uneasy dream,' returned the old man.

Do not talk so,' said the child. 'Pray do not. Let us speak of something

else.'

Yes, yes, we will,' he rejoined. 'And it shall be of what we talked of

long ago - many months - months is it, or weeks, or days? which is it

Nell?'

I do not understand you,' said the child.

It has come back upon me to-day, it has all come back since we have

been sitting here. I bless thee for it, Nell!'

'For what, dear grandfather?'

For what you said when we were first made beggars, Nell. Let us

speak softly. Hush! for if they knew our purpose down stairs, they

would cry that I was mad and take thee from me. We will not stop

here another day. We will go far away from here.'

The Old Curiosity Shop