"No, don't leave me," whispered Elfie. "I do want to love God, but I shall forget all about him if you go away, Susie."
"But you could go to school and learn about him there," said her companion.
"Yes, they'd teach about him, and be kind, I know, but it ain't like loving you," said Elfie. "I can believe about God's love now a little because of yours, but I never had any love before, and I don't want you to go away."
"And I don't want to go away," said Susie. "I mean to earn a lot of money. I shall get eighteen-pence for going out every morning; and then of an afternoon I can clean steps, and knives, and forks, at the other places."
"And I'll get some steps to do, and mind the baskets again," said Elfie.
"Oh yes, do; God will help you, I know," said Susie.
And her heart beat high with hope as she showed Elfie how to wash cups and saucers; for of this necessary accomplishment, Elfie was quite ignorant.
After these had been put away, and their faces washed, they set off for school; Elfie feeling rather shy at going there again, and Susie quite exultant at the thought of taking her.
"Elfleda! Have you come back again?" said the teacher in some surprise, when Elfie paused before the desk.
It was the first time Susie had ever heard Elfie's proper name, and she hardly knew who was addressed, until she heard her companion say, "Please, I'd like to come back, if you'll let me come with Susie."