They had learned to look upon her as a friend, since she began to teach their children, and there were few homes in the place to which she was not welcomed.
It was therefore easy to find out the true state of the poor people's affairs, and how they might best be relieved.
One result of this time of distress was the development of a plan by which Miss Burton hoped to benefit Coral and Beryl, and also the poor children in whom they felt such interest.
Going suddenly into the nursery one day, Beryl was surprised to find her governess in grave consultation with Lucy, respecting some outgrown garments of the children's, which they were examining with much deliberation.
"What are you doing with those things, Miss Burton?" asked Beryl curiously.
"I am trying to contrive new clothes out of old ones, Beryl," returned her governess; "and I shall want you and Coral to help me. I am thinking of starting a Dorcas meeting."
"What is a Dorcas meeting?" asked Beryl, in a tone of wonder.
"Don't you know? Have you never read in the Bible about Dorcas, and what she did?"
Beryl shook her head.
"I know," put in Coral eagerly. "Dorcas was the woman who made clothes for the poor, and Peter brought her to life after she was dead. And they showed him all the coats and garments which she had made."