["He was standing on the pavement, looking a sad, solitary figure"]
"THE LITTLE MISSIS"
CHAPTER I
HIS PURPOSE
Creak—creak—creak! went the old mangle—one of the box sort, weighted with stones.
"Are you dreadfully busy, Mrs. Colston?" called out a clear, young voice.
"Bless me, is that you, Miss Phebe?" and the mangle was suddenly silent. "No, I'm not dreadfully busy, and in two minutes I was going to make myself some tea; and if you——"
"Oh, won't I, rather! I should just think I will, you dearie; and I'll get it ready, too, while you play your last tune on your old organ."