"I am not going to stay long, but in my basket here are a few things for you. The fact is, all my lodgers but one have gone away for Christmas, and they've left some provisions behind that it would be a pity to let spoil. Here's half a cold chicken and a knuckle of ham—'Nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat,' they say—and a few other trifles."
"Oh, ma'am, I shall never be able to thank you for all the thoughtful goodness you've shown to me and mine! If you had not been such a friend to us before now, I believe we should have starved!"
"You have a better friend than me, you know, Mrs. Blundell. We are all in God's hands."
"I do know it, ma'am; but sometimes one's faith seems weak!"
"'There hath not failed one word of all His good promise,'" Mrs. Metherell quoted in her pleasant, cheery tones. "Now please to empty the basket, and I hope you'll have a good supper, and enjoy it. Annie, my dear, how are you to-night?"
"Oh, much better, thank you, ma'am."
"Much better, eh? That's right. And what have you there?" Suddenly becoming aware that the little girl was evidently desiring her to notice the object in her arms.
"It is a doll, my doll, ma'am," in proud accents. "She is called 'Rose.' Isn't she a beauty?"
In a few words Mrs. Blundell explained how the child had become possessed of her treasure. Mrs. Metherell nodded her head approvingly as she listened to the tale, whilst her face simply beamed with smiles. "Well, now!" she exclaimed. "That was kindly done! Don't you wish you knew who the gentleman was?"
"Yes, indeed," Mrs. Blundell answered earnestly. "I feel quite sorry to think he will never know how thankful my children are to him for his gift."