CHAPTER IV.
THE BROWN CLOAK IN NOVEMBER.
"How long, O Lord?"—Rev. vi. 10.
ovember days drew toward an end; December was near. One afternoon Mrs. Mathieson, wanting Nettie, went to the foot of the garret stairs to call her.
"Yes, mother. Coming."
"Fetch down your school cloak, child."
She went back to her room, and presently Nettie came in with the cloak, looking placid as usual, but very pale.
"Somebody's got to go to Mr. Jackson's, but you ain't fit, child; you ate next to nothing at noon. You can't live on porridge."
"I like it, mother; but I wasn't hungry. What's wanting from Jackson's?"