"I'll stay along of mo'ver-Meg," he said.
Jem sat down, quite overcome, and drew the trembling little Cherry within his kind arm.
Her eyes were wandering round the cosy bedroom, which reminded her so forcibly of her mother's; and when she saw the cot, she thought how lovely it would be to have a baby to hold. But when Jem saw her glance resting there he whispered softly, so as not to disturb Meg,
"The little 'un's gone to be with God, Cherry; you and Dickie is come to us instead."
Cherry's eyes filled with tears, and she laid her head on Jem's kind shoulder, repressing her sobs by a great effort.
"Cherry," said Mrs. Seymour, "there's my bed up-stairs, you shall have a good sleep on that; come along, child, or it will be morning."
Cherry looked towards Dickie, as if even now loth to let him out of her sight.
"Stay," added Mrs. Seymour; "let's have a cup of tea first, and some bread and milk for Dickie. I dare say you haven't had much? I had just made some before you came."
Cherry shook her head.
Mrs. Seymour soon put a steaming cup into Jem's hand, and another into Cherry's. Then she cut some bread for them, and placed some in Meg's little saucepan for the child. After which she went to the bed and took him out, telling Meg she should soon have him again if she wished, but that he was hungry.