Bet in her heart of hearts had a boundless admiration for this woman,
and she felt a sense of comfort stealing over her as they walked quickly
through the wet, slippery streets side by side.

Hester lived in a little room, which she managed to keep fairly neat
and clean, quite close to the docks. In the daytime you could see the
masts of the tall ships from her window, and the language of the sailors
and the many shouts of the workers on the quays could be borne into
her room on the breeze. Now the window was curtained, and a little
fire shed a cheerful reflection on the dingy walls. Hester stirred the
fire, threw on an additional lump or two of coal, and drawing a
three-legged stool forward for Bet, motioned to her to seat herself.
The room was fairly warm, and Bet was glad to dry her damp dress, and
to spread out her hands before the cheerful blaze. As Hester bustled
about, and laid a tiny table with plates for three, she gradually drew
from Bet a little of the story of last night.

"I have promised," said Bet, in conclusion, "to keep the two littl'uns
safe--that's my work now, and I told father this morning what he wor
to expect."

"And how did he take it, honey?" said Hester. "He knew you, Bet. He
knew as you weren't a girl to say one thing and mean another."

"Yes, he knew that," answered Bet. "Most folks know that of me," she
continued, with a heavy sigh.

"Well, have some tea now, honey--draw up to the table. The butter's
good, and the red-herring done to a turn. I expected Will Scarlett in,