, and so Hetty
heard, as she listened eagerly for news.

"Of course she can't live here any longer; she'll have to go to a
hospital," said one woman.

"Or to the poorhouse, more likely," said another.

"She'll hate that," said the first speaker. "I've heard her shudder over
the poorhouse."

"She shall never go there!" declared Hetty, with blazing eyes.

"Hoity-toity! who's to prevent?" asked the second speaker, turning a
look of disdain on Hetty.

"I am," was the fearless answer. "I know all Miss Bennett's ways, and
I can take care of her, and I will," went on Hetty indignantly; and
turning suddenly, she was surprised to find Miss Bennett's eyes fixed on
her with an eager, questioning look.

"There! she understands! she's better!" cried Hetty. "Mayn't I stay and
take care of you, dear Miss Bennett?" she asked, running up to the bed.

"Yes, you may," interrupted the doctor, seeing the look in his patient's
face; "but you mustn't agitate her now. And now, my good women"--turning
to the others--"I think she can get along with her young friend here,
whom I happen to know is a womanly young girl, and will be attentive and
careful."

They took the hint and went away, and the doctor gave directions to
Hetty what to do, telling her she must not leave Miss Bennett. So she
was now regularly installed as nurse and housekeeper.

Days and weeks rolled by. Miss Bennett was able to be up in her chair,
to talk and knit, and to walk about the house, but was not able to be
left alone. Indeed, she had a horror of being left alone; she could
not bear Hetty out of her sight, and Hetty's mother was very willing to
spare her, for she had many mouths to fill.

To provide food for two out of what had been scrimping for one was a
problem; but Miss Bennett ate very little, and she did not resume her
tea so they managed to get along and not really suffer.

One day Hetty sat by the fire with her precious box on her knee, which
she was putting to rights for the twentieth time. The box was empty, and
her sharp young eyes noticed a little dust on the silk lining.

"I think I'll take this out and dust it," she said to Miss Bennett, "if
you don't mind."

"Do as you like with it," answered Miss Bennett; "it is yours."

So she carefully lifted the silk, which stuck a little.

"Why, here's something under it," she said--"an old paper, and it has
writing on."

"Bring it to me," said Miss Bennett; "perhaps it's a letter I have
forgotten