Aranka bowed in silence.
"What will you do when you are left alone and thrown upon your own resources?"
"I am prepared for the worst," was the calm reply.
"Pray look upon me as your well-wisher and would-be benefactress," said the widow. "My bereavement is the indirect cause of your misfortune, which I should like to make as light for you as possible. Speak to me unreservedly, my child. Whither will you go, and what do you intend to do? I will help you all I can."
"I shall stay here, madam," returned the other, straightening herself with dignity and calmly meeting her visitor's look.
"But you cannot remain here, my dear, for the parsonage will be handed over to another."
"My father owns a small house in the village; I will move into it."
"And how will you support yourself?"
"I will work and earn money."
"But your work will command only a mere pittance."