They were surprised on coming in to find Helen sitting on the last
step of the stairs, with Dora on her lap, the latter crying bitterly,
and Helen using all those means of consolation, which, with the best
intention, have generally the effect of making matters worse. As
soon as Elizabeth appeared, Dora sprang towards her, exclaiming,
'Lizzie, dear Lizzie, do you know, Aunt Hazleby says that my mamma is
not your mamma, nor Kate's, nor Helen's, and I do not like it. What
does she mean? Lizzie, I do not understand.'

Elizabeth looked up rather fiercely; but, kissing her little sister,
said, gently, 'Yes, Dora, it is really true, my own mother lies in
the churchyard. I will shew you where.'

'And are you, not my sisters?' asked Dora, holding firmly by the
hands of Elizabeth, and Helen.

'Oh yes, yes, Dora!' cried Helen, 'we are your sisters, only not
quite, the same as Winifred.'

'And have you no mamma, really no mamma?' continued Dora looking
frightened, although soothed by Elizabeth's manner, and by feeling
that the truth was really told her.

'Not really, Dora; but your mamma is quite the same to us as if she
really was our mother,' said. Elizabeth, leading the little girl
away, and leaving Anne and Helen looking unutterable things at each
other.

Helen then went into the large, drawing-room, to fetch some, of her