"Yes, it is very cold? what of that? I make a good blazing fire; and then I like to hear the wind whistle."
"Yes, but you wouldn't like to have it whistling inside as well as out," said Alice. "I will come and do the listing and caulking for you in a day or two. Oh, you have it done without me! I am sorry."
"No need to be sorry, dear I am glad; you don't look fit for any troublesome jobs."
"I am fit enough," said Alice. "Don't put up the curtains;
I'll come and do it."
"You must come with a stronger face, then," said her old friend; "have you wearied yourself with walking all this way?"
"I was a little weary," said Alice, "but your nice tea has made me up again."
"I wish I could keep you all night," said Mrs. Vawse, looking out; "but your father would be uneasy. I am afraid the storm will catch you before you get home; and you aren't fit to breast it. Little Ellen, too, don't look as if she was made of iron. Can't you stay with me?"
"I must not it wouldn't do," said Alice, who was hastily putting on her things; "we'll soon run down the hill. But we are leaving you alone where's Nancy?"
"She'll not come if there's a promise of a storm," said Mrs.
Vawse; "she often stays out a night."
"And leaves you alone!"