of them
only danced and played and enjoyed themselves, but others, the
piskies and brownies, loved to come at night and help the sad and ill
and poor, and those who were good and kind. They would come when
folks were asleep, and tidy their kitchen for them, or chop their
wood, and spin their flax. Sometimes, for the very poor, they would
bake a batch of bread or cakes, and have all ready for them; and when
the poor people came down in the morning, cold and weak and hungry,
wondering how they would manage to get any food to eat, they would
find the kitchen clean, wood and coal to make a fire, and food in the
larder. Sometimes, too, there would be a piece of money at the
bottom of a cup. Can't you imagine how people would bless and love
those dear little industrious brownies?"

"Oh yes!" gasped Huldah, "and how I'd love to be able to do things
like that!"

"I think you are one, dear, only you don't vanish by day, and you
don't work secretly."

Huldah flushed with joy. Never in her sad, hard life had she felt so
happy.

"I hope, though, that you are not like the little people in one
respect,--they were so very easily offended. Such a little thing
would rouse their anger, and when they were angry they did not mind
hurting those who had offended them, or even injuring them very
greatly."

"Oh!" cried Huldah, looking disappointed.

"Now, little brownie, before I go I want you to trust me, and to be
quite frank and open, and not be afraid, for I want to be your
friend. I want you to tell me all about yourself and your past life,
and where you came from, and why you and Dick are quite alone in the
world. Will you? I want to help you, and do what is best for both
of you, but until I know all I can do nothing."

"You won't send us back to Uncle Tom, will you miss?" she cried, her
face paling, her eyes wide with fear. "I'll tell you everything,--
I--I want to, but if you send us back to Uncle Tom, he'll pretty nigh
beat us to death, me and Dick, I know he will!" And at the mere
thought of it she broke down and sobbed so violently that it was long
before Miss Rose could soothe her, or calm the trembling of the
half-starved, bruised little body.

She herself was shocked by the terror with which the mere thought of
returning to her uncle and aunt filled the child; and her heart ached
as she realised what she must have endured to bring her to such a
state, for it was plain to see that Huldah was naturally a spir