Charlie was really tired on Friday, and did not feel equal to making any effort; so she assisted Mrs. Wilcox with the housework, and tidied up Mary Jane's room until one would hardly have known it. But every thing seemed so strange and new.
Late in the afternoon she gained courage to say,—
"Did Mary Jane tell you, Mrs. Wilcox, that—I'd like to stay?"
"Yes. And so you really came to York to get something to do! I s'pose there's such a host of you at home!"
Charlie swallowed over a lump in her throat. Perhaps she was not a little glad that Mrs. Wilcox did not suspect her unorthodox manner of leaving Madison.
"I mean to find something to do. And if you would board me"—
"Now, Charlie Kenneth! first you stay and make a visit, and see what you can find, before you talk of payin' board. Thank Heaven! I never begrudged any one a meal's vittles or a night's sleep. Your poor old grandmother's slaved herself half to death for you, and I'm glad to see you have some spunk."
"Then, you'll let me stay?" and a soft flush of relief stole over Charlie's face.
"Stay!" rather indignantly. "No one ever heard of Hannah Wilcox turnin' people out o' doors. Your Granny has done more than one good turn for me."
"But I've saved some money to pay my board"—