"Come here, my dear," she said, in a sweet voice. And when Ishmael had advanced and made his bow, she took his hand kindly and said: "You are the only visitor whom I would have received to-day, for I have taken a very bad cold from last night's exposure, my dear; but you I could not refuse. Now sit down in that chair opposite me, and tell me what I can do for you. I hear you are coming to school here; I am glad of it."
"I was, ma'am; but I do not know that I am", replied the boy.
"Why, how is that?"
"I hope you won't be displeased with me, ma'am—"
"Certainly not, my boy. What is it that you wish to say?"
"Well, ma'am, my Aunt Hannah cannot weave now, because her wrists are crippled with rheumatism; and, as she cannot earn any money in that way, I shall be obliged to give up school—unless—" Ishmael hesitated.
"Unless what, my boy?"
"Unless she can get some work that she can do. She can knit and sew very nicely, and I thought maybe, ma'am—I hope you won't be offended—"
"Certainly not."
"I thought, then, maybe you might have some sewing or some knitting to put out."