The shouts drew nearer, and lights were seen flashing ruddily against the sides and gables of the neighbouring houses. “Let your friends act for you. The twists in his brain had suddenly straightened out; he was normal, wholly himself; and he knew now exactly what he had done. That’s why we are here. For days I have been undecided as to whether I would come to you or no. Lights gleamed from the lower rooms, and, on a nearer approach to the building, the sound of revelry might be heard from within. The worthy carpenter was restored to instant good humour by a glance from his helpmate; and, notwithstanding the infliction he had just endured, he would have quarrelled with any one who had endeavoured to persuade him that he was not the happiest of men, and Mrs. “Thought so. They proved all sorts of things perhaps, but they were thick, unequal, pitiful pieces of work. “Mr. Spit of your mother. “Hi. His attitude was as different from Gianfrancesco’s as night was from day. “Well, no,” she answered. He had died before they married, and when her brother became a widower she had come to his assistance and taken over much of the care of his youngest daughter.