Berenice looked seriously disappointed. Again she pressed her bounty
upon Hannah, saying:

"I do not really think you are right to refuse assistance that is
proffered to this poor child."

But Hannah was firm as she replied:

"I know that I am right, madam. And so long as I am able and willing to
supply all his wants myself, and so long as I do supply them, I do him
no injury in refusing for him the help of others."

"But do you have to supply all his wants? I suppose that his father must
be a poor man, but is he so poor as not to be able to render you some
assistance?"

Hannah paused a moment in thought before answering this question, then
she said:

"His father is dead, my lady." (Dead to him was her mental reservation.)

"Poor orphan," sighed the countess, with the tears springing to her
eyes; "and you will not let me do anything for him?"

"I prefer to take care of him myself, madam, for the short time that he
will need care," replied Hannah.

"Well, then," sighed the lady, as she restored her purse to her pocket,
"remember this--if from any circumstances whatever you should change
your mind, and be willing to accept my protection for this child, come