is very narrow, and thin for her height," remarked the girl,
apologetically, as one after the other the coats hung off Huldah's
shoulders like loose sacks. "I wonder if you wouldn't find a cloak
more satisfactory for her. Fit does not matter so much with a cloak.
Now this one is a very good one; it cost fifteen shillings at first,
but it is reduced very much, because it is a little out of fashion,
and slightly shop-worn," and she held up a warm brown cloak with big
bone buttons, and, oh! joy of joys in Huldah's eyes, a hood lined
with blue! "Hoods aren't being worn now," she went on; but Huldah
heard no more.

"Not worn! Out of fashion!" All her life Huldah had longed for a
cloak with a hood! In a rapture she felt the cloak being placed on
her shoulders, and saw the girl button the big horn buttons, and in a
tumult of shy delight she looked over herself, and then up at Miss
Carew.

"That fits her very well," said the girl, in a tone of relief.

Miss Rose read Huldah's eager face, and almost nervously enquired the
price. It would be such a blow if it should be beyond them.

"It is reduced to eight shillings, madam," said the girl, who was
almost as anxious to sell as they were to buy. "It is good cloth, a
real bargain."

"Then we must have it, mustn't we, brownie?" cried Miss Rose,
promptly. "It may not be as warm as a coat, but it certainly fits
her and suits her. Why, we have turned you into a brownie again,
Huldah! Are you pleased with your purchase?"

"Oh yes, miss! I think it is lovely, I like it better than any!"
gasped Huldah, excitedly. She could scarcely believe yet that she
was not in a dream, or that it could really be she, Huldah Bate, to
whom all this was happening.

The young attendant stooped to unbutton the cloak, to take it away
and wrap it in a parcel, but Miss Carew stopped her. "I think she
may as well wear it home," she said. "It is cold, and it will be the
easiest way of carrying it."

"Yes, madam. I will give you the bill."

When the stranger's back was turned, Huldah found her tongue.
"Oh, Miss Rose, isn't it lovely! It's so warm, I can feel it
already, and--and oh, I can't believe it is mine!"

"I am glad you like it, dear. Now get out your purse, and pay the
bill."

That was indeed a proud moment! From the depth of her pocket, and
from beneath the wonderful cloak, Huldah produced a small, rather
shabby purse, an old one of Miss Carew's, and from its pockets she