more pleasant than a wild-goose chase after an education through the
dust and din of a factory?"

"Oh, Mrs. Murray! You are very generous and good, but I have no
claim on you--no right to impose such expense and trouble upon you.
I am--"

"Hush, child! you have that claim which poverty always has on
wealth. As for the expense, that is a mere trifle, and I do not
expect you to give me any trouble; perhaps you may even make
yourself useful to me."

"Thank you! oh! thank you, ma'am! I am very grateful! I can not tell
you how much I thank you; but I shall try to prove it, if you will
let me stay here--on one condition."

"What is that?"

"That when I am able to pay you, you will receive the money that my
education and clothes will cost you."

Mrs. Murray laughed, and stroked the silky black hair.

"Where did you get such proud notions? Pay me, indeed! You poor
little beggar! Ha! ha! ha! Well, yes, you may do as you please, when
you are able; that time is rather too distant to be considered now.
Meanwhile, quit grieving over the past, and think only of improving
yourself. I do not like doleful faces, and shall expect you to be a
cheerful, contented, and obedient girl. Hagar is making you an
entire set of new clothes, and I hope to see you always neat. I