"The little frock we sent was my work," said Clarice, after a pause.
"And I'm sure Helen will have no time for needlework, more than mending and darning," said Lizzie Anderson. "You'll have all the work of the house to do, and you know what that means. Cooking, washing, cleaning, and baking once a week; minding the poultry; and then there's the baby, too."
"Well, but I'm young and strong, you know. I'll tell them not to send me work that must be done at once."
"And Katty does part of the washing," said Aymer.
"And I will draw all the water, fill the boilers, and bring in plenty of turf before I go out," said Guy.
"And I'll run messages, Helen, and feed the fowls, and wash the cups and dishes, and dust the rooms, and—oh, fifty other things!" cried little Agnes, looking up from her knitting. "We'll all help. Only Clarice can't help. Poor Clarice! What will you do?"
Clarice's blue eyes filled with tears.
"I can't do much, indeed, but I can work a good deal. I have to stop and rest, but I get a good deal done, and I work very neatly. Oh, I do hope—oh, Helen, I hope I won't be a burden to you!"
"Clarice! If you say that again, I shall be quite angry!" exclaimed Helen. "Do you think I've forgotten to love you because I've been away from home?"
Clarice drew a long breath, dried her eyes, and quieted herself as best she could.