hem before. She thought the little
winding white staircase was wonderful, and oh, how clean it all was!

At the top was a landing about a yard square, and an open door.
Through the doorway she saw an old-fashioned bed with pretty flowered
frills and curtains, and lying on the bed was Mrs. Perry.

"Come in, child," she said, feebly. "I've been calling to you for
ever so long, but I couldn't make you hear. I expect you were very
tired, and slept heavy."

"I've been awake for a good bit," said Huldah, "but I didn't like to
move about till you come. I wish I'd heard you. Did you want me?"

"Yes, I'm feeling very bad. I think I must have got a chill last
night, or else the fright upset me."

"Oh, I _am_ sorry," cried Huldah, with genuine feeling. Mrs. Perry
really did look very white and ill, and Huldah felt quite alarmed.
"Can I get you something? What can I do? Shall I light the fire?"
she asked, eagerly.

"Yes, if you will, I'd be very much obliged. I'd like a cup of tea,
as hot as I can drink it, and," pointing to some flannel lying on the
bed, "if you could make that very hot, and bring it up to me, I'd be
glad. Perhaps heat'll ease the pain a bit."

"I'll be as quick as I can," said Huldah, eagerly, turning to hurry
downstairs. "Is there anything else?"

"Oh my, yes! there's the fowls; they'll be wanting their breakfast.
It's all put ready for them in a pan in the scullery, if you'll give
it to them. Don't let them out into the garden."

"I'll see to that," said Huldah, cheerfully.

"Then when they're out eating their food, go into the house, and see
if there's any eggs in the nests."

"Yes, ma'am, and please may I borrow the loan of the bucket, to have
a wash? I'm feeling all dusty and dirty."

Mrs. Perry smiled, in spite of her pain. "Yes, of course.
You'll find a basin and soap, and a rough towel in the scullery, too.
I'm glad you reminded me."

Huldah slipped down the stairs as blithe as a bird. This was keeping
house in real earnest, and she loved it. She set to work to light
the fire and tidy the stove first, then she went and fed the hens,
and came back triumphantly, carrying three large eggs. When she had
shown these to Mrs. Perry, and discussed their size and beauty--and
surely there never had been such eggs found before--she went down and
had her wash, and oh, how she did enjoy it! She wished she had a
clean frock or apron to put on, too. But when she remembered all she
ha