"No, no, I ain't," said Esther, disposed to be tearful.
"'Cause Hor says you is, and I'm every bit his sister, an' he won't have nobody say 'tain't," responded Lettie, with decision.
"But, Lettie, though Mrs. Forsyth has been very very kind and good to you for a great many years, yet she is not your own mother," said Leveson. "Would you not like to see your own real dear mother?"
Lettie looked dubious.
"I say, Lettie, don't ye remember anythin' of the days afore ye lived with us?" said Mrs. Forsyth.
"Dunno," murmured Lettie.
"Don't you remember a kind gentle lady, who used to kiss little Lettie, and hold her in her arms, and give her nice presents?" asked Leveson.
"No," said Lettie.
"Don't you remember nursie, whom you loved so much? One day she put such a pretty frock on Lettie, and took her out to walk; and then there was a great crowd, and somebody carried off Lettie, and stole her nice clothes. Don't you remember all that?"
Lettie shook her head.