'In the kingdom of Thy Grace
Grant a little child a place.'

That's it, yes, that's it--and Nat, shut your eyes and say what I'm
saying--' God bless Bet for ever and ever. Amen.'"

Nat joined in this last clause with hearty goodwill, and Bet felt a
queer sensation coming into her throat. She kissed the little boys,
locked the door upon them, and went out.

There were no girls in Paradise Row exactly like Bet. In the first
place she was clean; in the next, she carried herself like a princess.
She was so well made, and her head so beautifully set upon her
shoulders, that it was impossible for her to be awkward. Her uncovered
head with its wealth of hair shone with a kind of radiance when she
passed under any lamp-post. Her lips were finely set, and she glanced
scornfully and with a sort of touch-me-not air at any man or woman who
happened to look at her with admiration. Her own defiant young steps
and her own proud disdainful face were her best protection. Even in
this rough Irish quarter no one molested her with an uncivil word. She
felt quite hopeful to-night--the little boys' love and confidence
cheered her. Thady's short prayer had touched the really great and
deep heart which slumbered in her breast.

"I'd die for 'em, poor little chaps," she murmured; and she clenched
her hand at the thought of any evil touching them. "Why, it's well I
have 'em; there's no one else as cares for Bet Granger."

But then she thought of Will, and as she did so her heart quickened