little things continue to be
profitable to them," said Milly.

"You have taken up something of a task, truly," said Bessie. "First you
will have those wretched parents to win over, and then that
unattractive little creature. And, Amy, although I would not wish to
throw cold water upon your enthusiasm, I feel sure that your father and
mother will never let you go to such a place as the home of the child
must be. Milly's mission came to her, as it were, heaven-sent, it seems
to me," she added in a reverent tone; "but you must seek this out to do
Matty any good, and face those dreadful relations of hers. Your father
and mother will never listen to it, and they will be right. Do not try
to run a tilt against windmills, dear."

"No, neither will I make mountains out of mole-hills," I answered
lightly, although I did feel the force, yes, and the truth too, of
Bessie's reasoning, and had my own doubts; "and certainly I shall not
have more unpromising material to deal with than Milly had when she
undertook to bring up her charges in the way they should go. Moreover,
I shall not attempt to beard the lions in their den; but I suppose I
have to win my way into Matty's affections or confidence, or whatever
it may be that proves assailable, and if I find any way to help her, I
shall ask cousin Serena to go into partnership with me. She will be
protection enough anywhere, for no one could think of troubling or
annoying her in any way."

"Well, I'm not so sure of that, either," said Bessie; "but I'm not
going to discourage you further, and time will show. But how do you
mean to set to work, Amy?"

"I do not know yet; how can I?" I answered. "I have only just thought
of this, and of course I have not had time to make any plans or to
think of what I shall do. I shall firstly go this very afternoon to
cousin Serena; and if she thinks me, as she doubtless will, a prodigy
of benevolence, self-sacrifice, and generosity, and agrees to all I ask
of her, I shall attack father and mother to-night. I mean to act while
the frenzy is on me, lest my ardor cool, and I see the many lions in
the way which you bad girls are trying to conjure up."

Knowing myself in this respect pretty well, I was really afraid that if
I gave myself too much time for consideration of my new scheme, I might
become appalled by the difficulty and disagreeableness which were
prophesied; and I was determined to place myself in a position
where--unless a higher authorit