Mr. Mathieson hesitated, and then answered,
"No,—better not, Nettie: Mr. Lumber might not find it amusing;" and the talk began again.
Nettie waited a little longer, feeling exceedingly tired. Then she rose and lighted a candle.
"What are you doing, Nettie?" her mother said.
"I am going to bed, mother."
"You can't take a candle up there, child! the attic's all full of things, and you would certainly set us on fire."
"I'll take great care, mother."
"But you can't, child! The wind might blow the snuff of your candle right into something that would be all a-flame by the time you're asleep. You must manage without a light somehow."
"But I can't see to find my way," said Nettie, who was secretly trembling with fear.
"I'll light you then, for once, and you'll soon learn the way. Give me the candle."