I think. It is but right you should tell her so."

As they approached the house the poor child seemed in such an agony of
fear, that her aunt was obliged to soothe her to lead her on. Her
conscience told her she had been unkind, even cruel, to her companion,
who had in no way injured her, and she feared Hitty's father and mother
would be very angry.

Mr. Moran lived in the upper part of a building which had once been used
as a shop. A pair of wide stairs went up outside the house to the door,
which opened into their room. A man was at work chopping wood at the
foot of the stairs, and as soon as Nelly saw him she ran behind her
aunt, whispering, "O, I dare not go! that's Hitty's father."

"I will take care of you," answered the lady, knocking at the door.

Mrs. Moran presently opened it, and they saw Hitty sitting on a low
stool, playing with the baby, who was cooing and crowing with delight at
having her back again.

"I have come," said Mrs. Gray, "with my little niece, who injured your
daughter at school. She wishes to ask you to forgive her."

Nelly was crying bitterly, so that she could scarcely speak; but at last
she sobbed out, "I didn't mean to hurt her so. I'm very sorry."

"Don't cry, pet!" said Mrs. Moran, kindly. "I dare say you meant her no
harm; and if you did, sure and we all are in the wrong sometimes. Hitty
lays up nothing against you. There, honey, stop a bit, and she'll tell
you the same. Come, Hitty, tell the little girl you forgive her, since
the lady is so kind as to ask it."

Hitty came forward with Bobby still in her arms, and when Nelly held out
her hand, shook it cordially, saying, "My head is almost well now, and
by to-morrow I'll never think of the blow again. I'm sorry for you,
Nelly, to see you crying so."

Mrs. Gray sat for a time talking with Mrs. Moran, and encouraging her to
allow Hitty to learn to read. There was one little boy just Frankie's
age, whom the lady advised her to send to the public school.

This, the poor woman said, she should be glad to do, if the lad had
clothes.

The next day, when Hitty returned from school, Nelly, Frankie, and
Ponto accompanied her, each of them carrying a bundle as large as they
could lift, with dresses, jackets, and sacks, the children had outgrown.

Mrs. Moran hardly knew how to express her gratitude, as she held up one
article after another, and saw how nicely they would fit Ned or others
among her children.

This lesson, though sev