"Oh, my darling!" she said to Mollie, as she hugged her, "I have great news for you. Come, Mother, and listen."
Then holding each by the hand she related Ethel's proposal.
Mrs. Hastings wept tears of joy while little Mollie laughed.
"Are you sure she'll keep her word?" asked Mrs. Hastings.
"As sure as there's a God in heaven. She's an angel," replied Mattie. "They all are. Oh! Mother, I never knew that there could be such kindness in the world."
Mattie returned, and Ethel and Patty replaced all of the stolen money in the girls' purses save the twelve that was to be given to Judge Sands for McAllister. The jewelry was more difficult, for there was danger of it rolling out of the bags, so Patty suggested putting the ring in a small box and slipping it in Nora's suitcase, and doing the same with the locket belonging to Edith Overman.
The next morning appeared Nora with the ring on her finger, but with never a word. Then rushed out Edith Overman.
"Do you know, I have found my locket and chain. I was awfully worried for I thought I had lost it."
The following day came a reply to Ethel's letter from Aunt Susan. This was the extract pertaining to the Home:
"Yes, my dear, I can get the little girl in the Cripples' School free—not 'Home.' In this place she'll have the best of medical attendance. I am one of the managers. She will be taught to sew and make lovely things besides having good nourishing food every day. Her sister is welcome to stay with us whenever she cares to come. The little girl will probably come out cured, and it will not cost her a penny. Even her clothes will be furnished. Let me know when to expect them. I enclose your mother's letter."