scream, but they said such horrid words that I was forced to hold my
tongue; and in a minute more they had me inside a dreadful house, where
the plaster was dropping away from the walls, and the skeleton-ribs of the
house were looking through. I was nearly dead with terror and disgust. I
don't think it was a bit less dreadful to me from having dim recollections
of having known such places well enough at one time of my life. I think
that only made me the more frightened, because so the place seemed to have
a claim upon me. What if I ought to be there after all, and these dreadful
creatures were my father and mother!

"'I thought they were going to beat me at once, when the woman, whom I
suspected to be my aunt, began to take off my frock. I was dreadfully
frightened, but I could not cry. However it was only my clothes that they
wanted. But I cannot tell you how frightful it was. They took almost
everything I had on, and it was only when I began to scream in despair--
sit still, Charlie, it's all over now--that they stopped, with a nod to
each other, as much as to say--'we can get the rest afterwards.' Then they
put a filthy frock on me; brought me some dry bread to eat; locked the
door, and left me. It was nearly dark now. There was no fire. And all my
warm clothes were gone.--Do sit still, Charlie.--I was dreadfully cold.
There was a wretched-looking bed in one corner, but I think I would have
died of cold rather than get into it. And the air in the place was
frightful. How long I sat there in the dark, I don't know.'

"'What did you do all the time?' said I.

"'There was only one thing to be done, Charlie. I think that is a foolish
question to ask.'

"'Well, what _did_ you do, Chrissy?'