Miss Prue went straight to Sara, and took the poor, unstrung little
bundle of nerves into her arms, her very touch, both firm and gentle,
bringing comfort to the half-crazed girl. She did not say much of
anything, only kissed her and wept with her; but soon the violence of
Sara's grief was subdued, and her heart-rending moans sank into long,
sobbing breaths.

Mrs. Norris, after one pitying look, turned to the women.

"Don't you think, friends, it is possible that seeing so many makes her
worse? We all want to do something, I know. Mrs. Deering, you're so good
with children, why not take the twins home with you for to-day? Perhaps
your own bairnies will help to comfort them! And, Betty Pulcher, their
clothes will need some fixing, no doubt, for Sunday. You're just the one
to manage that; and get Mandy Marsh and Zeba Osterhaus to help you:
they'll be glad to, I know. And you, Mrs. Updyke, and Mrs. Shooter,--
were you going to look after the cooking, and so on? There'll likely be
a crowd over for the sermon."

As each one was given just the work she preferred, and as there seemed
little more chance of excitement here, they soon separated, not
realizing they had been sent home, however; and a blissful quiet
reigned.

When Mrs. Norris stepped outside to close the gate after the last one, a
voice arrested her.

"Mother! mother!"

She turned.