"Oh, how the time flies!" she exclaimed. "I should so love to sit down and talk with you; but I promised Bridget to help her. By the way, she is very fond of you, and though awkward, she is teachable; much better than the average."
"I'm afraid Paul wont let her stay. She broke a glass dish this morning," was the timid answer.
"We'll try to contrive somehow to keep her. Now if I shut the blinds, can you sleep?"
"If you'll promise to wake me as soon as you've done. It's so nice to have you here. I wish Hannah and Edward knew what a friend I have found. Do you know," she added in a reverent tone, "I think God sent you here."
"I am sure he did, my sweet sister." Marion's eyes grew dim as she looked into the wishful face; but not being a sentimental girl she winked the tears out of sight, and added gayly:
"Pleasant dreams to you of home and Edward."
[CHAPTER IX.]
THE SURPRISE.
DOWN stairs there were brisk steps and suppressed, though earnest, voices. Marion whose whole heart was bent on being of service to the young wife, had two objects in view in every step she took. First the room must be cleaned, the carpets cleansed from the spots of grease which every where met her eye; and what was quite as important, Bridget must be taught the best method of doing the work. She was delighted to see that the girl caught her ideas at once; and tried to imitate whenever it was in her power.
In the meantime Marion listened to a revelation of Paul's unkindness which shocked her.