for the way by which he might supply Hannah with the means of living,
without sacrificing his hopes of school, he suddenly hit upon a plan. He
quickened his footsteps to put it into instant execution. He arrived at
Brudenell Hall and asked to see Mrs. Middleton. A servant took up his
petition and soon returned to conduct him to that lady's presence. They
went up two flights of stairs, when the man, turning to the left, opened
a door, and admitted the boy to the bed-chamber of Mrs. Middleton.

The lady, wrapped in a dressing gown and shawl, reclined in an arm-chair
in the chimney corner.

"Come here, my dear," she said, in a sweet voice. And when Ishmael had
advanced and made his bow, she took his hand kindly and said: "You are
the only visitor whom I would have received to-day, for I have taken a
very bad cold from last night's exposure, my dear; but you I could not
refuse. Now sit down in that chair opposite me, and tell me what I can
do for you. I hear you are coming to school here; I am glad of it."

"I was, ma'am; but I do not know that I am", replied the boy.

"Why, how is that?"

"I hope you won't be displeased with me, ma'am--"

"Certainly not, my boy. What is it that you wish to say?"

"Well, ma'am, my Aunt Hannah cannot weave now, because her wrists are
crippled with rheumatism; and, as she cannot earn any money in that way,
I shall be obliged to give up school--unless--" Ishmael hesitated.

"Unless what, my boy?"

"Unless she can get some work that she can do. She can knit and sew very
nicely, and I thought maybe, ma'am--I hope you won't be offended--"

"Certainly not."

"I thought, then, maybe you might have some sewing or some knitting to
put out."

"Why, Ishmael, I have been looking in vain for a seamstress for the last
three or four weeks. And I thought I really should have to go to the
trouble and expense of sending to Baltimore or Washington for one; for
all our spring and summer sewing is yet to do. I am sure I could keep
one woman in fine needlework all the year round."

"Oh, ma'am, how glad I would be if Aunt Hannah would suit you."

"I can easily tell that. Does she make your clothes?"

"All of them, ma'am, and her own too."

"Come here, then, and let me look at her sewing."

Ishmael went to the lady, who took his arm and carefully examined the
stitching of his jacket and shirt sleeve.

"She sews beautifully. That will do, my boy. Ring that bell for me."

Ishmael obeyed and a se