Here too, however, a noteworthy change was beginning to declare itself.  You were no longer distressed by the shrinking fear which used to be her constant expression; her eyes no longer reminded you of a poor animal that has been beaten from every place where it sought rest and no longer expects anything but a kick and a curse.  Timid they were, drooping after each brief glance, the eyes of one who has suffered and cannot but often brood over wretched memories, who does not venture to look far forward lest some danger may loom inevitable—­meet them for an instant, however, and you saw that lustre was reviving in their still depths, that a woman’s soul had begun to manifest itself under the shadow of those gently falling lids.  A kind word, and with what purity of silent gratitude the grey pupils responded!  A merry word, and mark if the light does not glisten on them, if the diffident lips do not form a smile which you would not have more decided lest something of its sweetness should be sacrificed.

‘Now come and tell me what you think about baby,’ cried Bessie.  ’Will he do?  Don’t pay any attention to my husband; he’s a vulgar man!’

Jane stepped forward.

‘I’m sure he looks very nice, Mrs. Byass.’

’Of course he does, bless him!  Sam, get your coat on, and brush your hat, and let Miss Snowdon teach you how to behave yourself.  Well, we’re going to leave the house in your care, Jane.  We shall be back some time to-morrow night, but goodness knows when.  Don’t you sit up for us.’

’You know where to wire to if there’s a fire breaks out in the back kitchen,’ observed Samuel facetiously.  ’If you hear footsteps in the passage at half-past two to-morrow morning don’t trouble to come down; wait till daylight to see whether they’ve carried off the dresser.’

Bessie screamed with laughter.

’What a fool you are, Sam!  If you don’t mind, you’ll be making Jane laugh.  You’re sure you’ll be home before dark to-morrow, Jane?’

’Oh, quite sure.  Mr. Kirkwood says there’s a train gets to Liverpool Street about seven, and grandfather thought that would suit us.’

’You’ll be here before eight then.  Do see that your fire’s out before you leave.  And you’ll be sure to pull the door to?  And see that the area-gate’s fastened.’

‘Can’t you find a few more orders?’ observed Samuel.

’Hold your tongue!  Jane doesn’t mind; do you, Jane?  Now, Sam, are you ready?  Bless the man, if he hasn’t got a great piece of bread sticking in his whiskers!  How did it get there?  Off you go!’

Jane followed them, and stood at the front door for a moment, watching them as they departed.