I turned and saw a woman, accompanied by four children, coming towards us, and as they saw us they seemed to quicken their footsteps as if for gladness. The man with whom I had been speaking, kissed them all affectionately, and then each looked to the other as if for news.
"I have obtained enough for food to-night," said the man. "We can e'en call at Elizabeth Jory's and get bread, and we can all sleep in the cottage in the wood."
"I am very cold," whimpered one of the children.
"But I can soon light a fire. Do not be afraid, my dear ones. The Lord will provide. But how have you fared, good wife?"
The woman shook her head. "She dares not come till to-morrow night," she said.
"The Lord will provide till then," said the man; but his voice was piteous, and I saw the tears well up in her eyes.
"You have a friend who will help you to-morrow night?" I said eagerly; but to this the woman made no reply, rather she turned away her head like one afraid.
"You said the Lord would provide," I said, as I took some coins from my pouch. "Perchance He hath sent me to help you. Here is something that will meet your needs till your friend cometh."
"Are you one of the Lord's children?" asked the man, as he looked at my somewhat gay attire.
"I trust so," I said, for in truth I knew not what better to say.