"Yes, and my Sunday out, or I could not go. Oh, never you mind, Matty; I'm sure I am not doing wrong in trying to comfort poor Hetty when she's in such trouble. I owe her a good turn, for she made me downright ashamed of myself once."
It was late in the evening when he came to the Hardy's.
"Is that you, Fred Smith?" Mrs. Hardy said. "Dan's out."
"I've brought Hetty good news, ma'am. The little girl is much better, they think. Mr. Eyre is coming home to-morrow, but Mrs. Eyre is to stay till the child can be moved."
"Oh, Fred, thank you!" said Hetty. "It's very kind of you to come and tell me."
"He did more than that for you," Matty said. "He went to R— to inquire."
"Oh, I like to get a sight of the sea," Fred remarked hurriedly. "Good-night, ma'am. I must get home."
"It was very kind, all the same," said Hetty again. "Oh, if Miss Flo gets well, what a load will be off my heart! They can never forgive me, I know; but I do love Miss Flo."