"How much time do you work?" burst forth Henry.
"From six o'clock till half-past nine. A little of the time I am helping my brothers."
"There's perseverance, Henry!" cried Mrs. Ashley; and Master Henry shrugged his shoulders.
"Anna," began William, as they walked along, "how do you know that Janey is so ill?"
"Now, William, thee must ask thy mother whether she is ill or not. She may get well—how do I know? She was ill last summer, and Hannah Dobbs would have it she was in a bad way then; but she recovered. Dost thee know what Patience says?"
"What?" asked William eagerly.
"Patience says I have ten ears where I ought to have two; and I think thee hast the same. Fare thee well," she added, as they reached her door. "Thank thee for coming for me."
William waited at the gate until Anna was admitted, and then hastened home. Jane was alone, working as usual.
"Mamma, is it true that Janey is dying?"
Jane's heart gave a leap; and poor William, as she saw, could scarcely speak for agitation. "Who told you that?" she asked in low tones.