With that she laid down the little coin, and without waiting for thanks or to inquire how the invalid was, she hastened back to her room.
And so it was to her kindness, they were indebted for that bit of candle and loaf of bread.
Again the child heard the voice, "I stand and knock; I will come in and sup."
"He said it was our hearts," she murmured to herself, looking still at the picture in the fire.
"What?" asked her mother sharply.
"The gen'lman said as He was askin' to come in, and if He came in, He'd make the place as beautiful as a palace—that He would!"
"We don't want no one in here," gasped her mother; "leastways, unless they bring some'ut with 'em!"
"The gen'lman said as He would, if we opened the door."
"Then open it!" exclaimed the sick woman, rousing herself suddenly.
"It's our hearts," said the girl, musingly, "and I daren't open the door for such as Him to come in; it ain't fit."