CHAPTER II.
BEGINNING HER LIFE.
SHE did not remember anything, but the yard was very dirty, and the fence was tumbling down, and there were lights of glass out of the windows, and a general air of discomfort prevailed. It did not look like a home. Besides, where were father and mother? There must be some mistake.
The two little Deckers who had played and quarreled together all day had left their work to come and stare at the new comer out of astonished eyes. Certainly they did not seem to have been expecting her.
The new comer turned to the elder of the two children, and spoke in a gentle winning voice: "Little girl, do you live here—in this house?"
The child with her forefinger placed meditatively on her lip, and her bright eyes staring intensely, decided to nod that she did.
"And can you tell me what your name is?"
To this question there was no answer for several seconds, then she thought better of it and gravely said: "I could."
This seemed so funny, that poor Nan, though by this time carrying a very sad heart, could not help smiling.