ly of the scheme, and she
kept on saying, "Thank you, ma'am," while the tears came into her eyes.
Mrs Carbonel gave her Mrs Barnard's letter to read, but the tears came
so thick and fast that she could not see it at first, nor indeed fully
grasp the meaning, while two pairs of eyes were devouring her
countenance as she read. Mrs Carbonel guessed how it was, and saw that
the transports which Dora and Sophy expected were not by any means near,
so she gently said, "We will leave you to read the letter, and come
again to-morrow to hear what you think."

"Thank you, ma'am; thank you," said poor Judith, as well as she could
among her tears.

"How stupid she is!" cried Sophy, as they emerged into the road.

"I don't believe she could read Mrs Barnard's letter," said Dora.

"No, not for tears," said Mary.

"Do you think she could have understood you?" added Sophy.

"Oh, yes; she understood well enough."

"But how could she be so dull as not to be delighted?" said Sophy.

"So ungrateful, too!" added Dora.

"My dear Dora! It was the embarrassment of her gratitude that touched
me so much," exclaimed Mary.

"Do you really think she will not be enchanted to get away from that
dismal hole, and live with honest people?" asked Sophy.

"My dears, I think you have quite forgotten that Mrs Dan Hewlett is her
sister."

"Nobody would think so," said Dora.

"If she could only take Johnnie and Judy away with her," said Sophy,
"before their father has spoiled them."

"You can't think she would refuse such an offer!" added Dora. "To be
with a good, nice woman, and at peace among her friends. It really
would be quite wicked in her to refuse."

Nevertheless, Mary withstood all the entreaties of her sisters to go
with her to hear Judith's decision. Edmund heard them persuading her,
and in his peremptory manner desired them to desist. So they hovered
about the garden and home-field waiting for news.

But the news was not what they expected. Mrs Carbonel found Judith
very tearful, but resolute.

"I could not do it, ma'am! I am sorry, sorry to the heart, to seem
ungrateful for her kindness; but, indeed, I could not do it. I cannot
leave my sister and the children."

"You would be so much more comfortable--so much better looked after."

"Yes, ma'am, I know that. Mrs Gregg is one of the best of women, and
so kind. It is very good of her to be willing to take me in; but--"

"You need not be afraid of the journey. Mrs