Presently there was a whine at the back door. Dick had come in
search of her. She stood up and quietly made a step or two towards
the scullery and the back door, wondering if she would be taking a
great liberty to let him in. She did long to. And then, while she
stood hesitating she heard a voice calling weakly down the stairs,
"Little girl--Huldah, are you there?"

Huldah, greatly relieved, sprang to the foot of the stairs. She was
glad to have the silence broken at last. "Yes ma'am. It was only
Dick whining to come in."

"Let him in, then come up to me, will you?"

Ordering Dick to stay below, Huldah mounted the stairs, full of awe.
She had not been allowed up them before. She thought the little
winding white staircase was wonderful, and oh, how clean it all was!

At the top was a landing about a yard square, and an open door.
Through the doorway she saw an old-fashioned bed with pretty flowered
frills and curtains, and lying on the bed was Mrs. Perry.

"Come in, child," she said, feebly. "I've been calling to you for
ever so long, but I couldn't make you hear. I expect you were very
tired, and slept heavy."

"I've been awake for a good bit," said Huldah, "but I didn't like to
move about till you come. I wish I'd heard you. Did you want me?"

"Yes, I'm feeling very bad. I think I must have got a chill last