[CHAPTER VI. WAITING AND TRUSTING]

[CAN'T AFFORD TO PLAY]

[WALKING TOO BIG]

[WINKLES]

[COMFORTABLE MRS. CROOK.]

[CHAPTER I.]

KEEPING TO HERSELF.

IF Mrs. Jemima Crook happened to be in a very good temper, when taking a cup of tea with some old acquaintance, she would sometimes allude to her private affairs in these words: "I don't deny it; Crook has left me comfortable." This was not much to tell, for Mrs. Crook was not given to confidences, and a frequent remark of hers was: "I know my own business, and that is enough for me. I don't see that I have any call to fill other people's minds and mouths with what does not concern them."