"And God shall wipe away all tears."

"Oh, it is like heaven itself!" Miss Lily breathed. Then she
sighed softly. "What if I had missed it!"

"I think I shall have to go now," at last Doodles said; "but I will
come and sing for you again any time, if you like,--any time when
you are here." He rose and picked up his cap.

"Oh, my dear boy, I'm not ever coming back! I'm"--she began to
sob, and Doodles could scarcely make out the words--"I'm going--to
the--poorhouse!" She broke down, and her slight shoulders shook
pitifully.

The boy stood as if stunned. Then he stepped near. "Don't cry!"
he said softly, "don't cry!"

"Oh--I can't help it!" she mourned. "I've kept up--I thought maybe
I shouldn't have to go; but my eyes have given out, and I can't
earn anything only by sewing--and I can't sew now! To think of me
in the poorhouse!"

"I'll come and sing for you there!" cried the boy impulsively.

"Oh! you wouldn't--would you?" She clutched at the only straw of
hope.

"Of course, I will! I'd be glad to!"

"You're awfully good!" She wiped her eyes.