is on their small, shrunken
faces and that dreadful, searching look that shows the desperate hunger
of a little child. John, I cried over every one of them. Where was the
pitiful Christ? Why did He not comfort them?"

"Mother! Mother! Tell me no more. I can not bear it. Who brought them
here?"

"The town officer. They were laid on straw in big wagons. It was a hard
journey."

"Where are their mothers?"

"Dead or dying."

"I will see they have beds and blankets. Do you want money, mother, for
this service?"

"No."

"But you must."

"I never give money. I give myself, my health, my time, my labor.
Money--no!"

"Why not money?"

"Because money answers all ends, and I don't know what end is coming;
but I do know that it will be a very uncommon end that money can't
answer. Thou must have spent nearly all of it thou had."

"It will come back to me."

"If the war stops soon, happen some of it will come back. If it does not
stop soon, thou art standing to lose every shilling of it. So thou sees
I must save my shillings in case my children need them. How is Jane?"

"Very well. She is the greatest help and comfort to me. I do not know
how I could have borne and done without her."

"Mebbe thy mother might hev helped thee."

And John answered with a beaming smile, "My mother never failed me."

"What is Jane doing?"

"Did you not hear that Mrs. Levy and Jane started a sewing-club for the
girl mill-hands? Very few of this class of workers can sew, and they are
being taught how to make all kinds of garments for themselves and
others. They meet in a large room over Mr. Levy's barn. He has had it
well warmed and he gives them one good meal every day."

"I am sure I never thought Jane would notice that woman."

"Mrs. Levy? She says she has the sweetest, kindest nature, and the
wisest little ways of meeting emergencies. And I can tell you, mother,
that her husband has given his full share of help both in money and work
during all these last three bitter years. He will be a greater honor to
the Gentlemen's Club than any of the gentlemen who have run away to rest
in Italy and left Hatton to starve or survive as she could. Have you
seen Harry lately? How is he managing?"

"Harry does not manage at all, but _he is very manageable_, the best
quality a man can possess. Lucy manages Harry and everything else at
Yoden to perfection. She expects another baby with the spring, but she
is well and cheerful and busy as a be