"Still, I should like to have some money to buy presents for you and Maggie, mother?"
"What would you give me, my dear?"
"A new gown, mother; it should be so warm and soft! I am not sure what I would give Maggie! A pretty new hat, I think, for that old sailor hat of hers is dreadfully shabby."
There was silence for a few minutes, then the sick child spoke again:
"Mother, I can't see the stars to-night; I expect it is raining."
Mrs. Blundell put down her work, and rising, went to the tiny window, and looked out.
"It is very misty," she said. "I do wish Maggie would come! Where can she be?"
"She is coming, mother!"
Annie's quick ears had told her truly, for in another minute the rickety door was flung open, and a breathless little figure ran into the room, and stood panting before her astonished mother and sister.
"Maggie!" exclaimed Mrs. Blundell, with mingled anxiety and reproof in her voice. "Where have you been?"