The boys, after a private consultation, declared that
they did not intend to allow the girls to do all the charitable, and
that they wished to invest some of their surplus Christmas cash in a
pair of large warm blankets, for the widow's benefit. Their aunt
heartily approved of the suggestion, and all agreed that a far better
interest would accrue from a capital so laid up, than from shares taken
in the confectioner's or the toymaker's stock; and the walk was
considerably prolonged by a visit to the country store, where the
desired purchases were made. Joy lighted up the sick woman's eyes when
she saw this unexpected provision for her wants, and witnessed the
kindly interest of the young people of The Grange: she thanked them with
few words, but with overflowing eyes and heart. She was an interesting
woman, kind and motherly, and looked as if she had seen better days: her
little black-eyed children also were well trained, with manners much
superior to their station. One little girl of about twelve attracted
Mrs. Wyndham's particular notice; she appeared to have installed herself
into the office of chief nurse, and the younger children seemed to look
to her for help and advice: when not engaged in waiting upon them or the
sick mother, she seated herself near the window, busily occupied with a
piece of needlework. She was a very pretty child, of fair complexion and
deep blue eyes, with the beseeching look that you sometimes see in the
young face, when trouble and hard treatment have too early visited the
little heart--like an untimely frost, nipping the tender blossoms of
spring. Sad indeed it is to see that look in childhood, when, under the
sheltering wings of parents and friends, the body and mind should expand
together in an atmosphere of love and gentleness--such is the great
Creator's will. Mrs. Wyndham observed to her mother,

"That oldest child of yours does not resemble you and the other
children."

The sick woman smiled: "No, ma'am, she is an adopted child, although I
love Margaret as much as any of my other children."

"Indeed! with so many little ones, could you take another?"

"Yes, ma'am, she was thrown into our keeping by Providence, at a time
when we wanted nothing; my husband was then living, and in excellent
business as a saddler, and we enjoyed every comfort. Times are now sadly
changed, but Margaret shall share our last crust; but indeed she is our
main stay--I should be obliged to give up entirely,