The Odds

nd back from his work and, thanks to Dot's ministrations, the evening was free from toil. It was seldom, indeed, that Adela bestirred herself to lay the cloth for any

ealized this and, as is the way of humanity, took her at her own valuation, making allowances for her undoubted egotism. For she was comely and had a taking manner, never troubling herself unless her own personal convenience were threatened. She laughed a good deal, though her sense of humour was

imes when the two clashed in consequence. The occasions were rare, but Adela had come to know by experience that when they occurred, opposition on her part was of no avail. Dot was bound to have her way when her soul was stirred to battle for it, as on the day when sh

position from her sister-in-law. It was practically impossible that they should ever be fond of one another. They had nothing in commo

to him. She had been thrown upon his care years before when the death of their parents had left her dependent upon him. It had always been his wish to have her with him. His love for her was of a deep, almost maternal nature, and he hated the thought of parting with her. He had hoped that the companionship of Ad

find Adela fulfilling what had come to be regarded as Dot's duties. He looked around him questio

e little 'u

ut for some reason Adela had never approv

ut somewhere, I suppose. And leav

of her burden and set himse

an say you're an idler, anyway. I've got rather a nice supper for you. I shouldn't

aid Jack. "He's prac

said Adela. "Do you thin

fail yet in anything he set his mind to-

" questioned Adela, wh

poke thoughtfully. "That's the only time I ever knew him

!" Adela ope

er mind that! It's an old story, and the man got away, anyhow-disappeared, droppe

?" said Adela. "They say all the women fell i

gh. "You'd certainly

t. I prefer respectable men. Shall we lay

. "Let him come

look. "You think Dot

e careful! She's co

ame Dot. She moved slowly, as if dispirited. Jack's quick eye

" he said, with kindly cheeri

'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I

dela. "You'll forget to come

aid nothing, passing through with a w

e in her confidence; and Jack lai

gh at her!

cious, Jack! What's the matt

comes to-night, I believe she'll have him-that is, if she's let

matter was one upon which he felt very strongly, and Adela

inly has hung fire considerably. It would be a good thing to ge

e man," ass

am much mistaken. However, let Dot marry him by all means if sh

pot on the hob, humming inconse

nutes more they gathered round the supper-tabl

ore Jack's marriage she had looked forward to it throughout the day. The comp

comed her when the work was done, she knew that her society was wholly unessential, and she often prolonged her labours in the scullery that she might not intrude too soon u