"I had no idea you were going away so soon."
"I am going now to see if Mr. Kindred is at home."
"I live in the same house as he does," she said, looking timidly at Joshua.
"That is strange. Are you and he intimate?"
"Yes. They are poor, you know, Joshua."
"So are you, Susey."
"But I can help them a little. He's often ill, and Minnie isn't strong enough to take care of him, and so I nurse him sometimes. Minnie and I are great friends."
When they arrived at Basil Kindred's poor lodging, Minnie met them at the door. With her finger to her lips, she motioned them to be quiet.
"Tread softly," she whispered; "father has come home, and is lying down."
They walked to the bed, and saw Basil Kindred lying on the bed in unquiet sleep. Susan placed her hand on his hot forehead, and said,--