turned she saw
the signs of him, and she pleased herself to think that perhaps he was
there to welcome her. But it would not have made her the least sad to
know for certain that he was far off, and would never come near her
again in this world. She knew that, spite of time and space, she was
and must be near him so long as she loved and did the truth. She knew
there is no bond so strong, none so close, none so lasting as the
truth. In God alone, who is the truth, can creatures meet.

The place was left in sad confusion and dirt, and she did not a little
that night to restore order at least. But at length she was tired, and
went up to her room.

On the first landing there was a window to the street. She stopped and
looked out, candle in hand, but drew back with a start: on the opposite
side of the way stood a man, looking up, she thought, at the house! She
hastened to her room, and to bed. If God was not watching, no waking
was of use; and if God was watching, she might sleep in peace. She did
sleep, and woke refreshed.

Her first care in the morning was to write to Letty--with the result I
have set down. The next thing she did was to go and ask Beenie to give
her some breakfast. The old woman was delighted to see her, and ready
to lock her door at once and go back to her old quarters. They returned
together, while Testbridge was yet but half awake.

Many things had to be done before the shop could be opened. Beenie went
after charwomen, and soon a great bustle of cleaning arose. But the
door was kept shut, and the front windows.

In the afternoon Letty came fresh from misery into more than
counterbalancing joy. She took but time to put off her bonnet and
shawl, and was presently at work helping Mary, cheerful as hope and a
good conscience could make her.

Mary was in no hurry to open the shop. There was "stock to be taken,"
many things had to be rearranged, and not a few things to be added,
before she could begin with comfort; and she must see to it all
herself, for she was determined to engage no assistant until she could
give her orders without hesitation.

She was soon satisfied that she could not do better than make a
proposal to Letty which she had for some time contemplated--namely,
that she should take up her permanent abode with her, and help her in
the shop. Letty was charmed, nor ever thought of the annoyance it would
be to her aunt. Mary had thought of that, but saw that, for Letty to
allow the prej