Ellen wanted to ask how long that would be, but could not make up her mind to it.
"Sit down, daughter, and take some breakfast."
"Have you done, Mamma?"
"No I waited for you."
"Thank you, dear Mamma" with another embrace "how good you are! but I don't think I want any."
They drew their chairs to the table, but it was plain neither had much heart to eat; although Mrs. Montgomery with her own hands laid on Ellen's plate half of the little bird that had been boiled for her own breakfast. The half was too much for each of them.
"What made you so late this morning, daughter?"
"I got up late, in the first place, Mamma; and then I was a long time at the window."
"At the window? Were you examining into your neighbours' affairs, as usual?" said Mrs. Montgomery, surprised that it should have been so.
"Oh, no, Mamma, I didn't look at them at all, except poor little Billy. I was looking at the sky."