And Ellen saw that her aunt's displeasure was all gathered upon her for the evening. She was thinking of Alice's words, and trying to arm herself with patience and gentleness, when the door opened, and in walked Nancy as demurely as if nobody had ever seen her before.
"Miss Fortune, granny sent me to tell you she is sorry she can't come to-night; she don't think it would do for her to be out so late; she's a little touch of the rheumatics, she says."
"Very well," said Miss Fortune. "Now, clear out."
"You had better not say so, Miss Fortune; I'll do as much for you as any two of the rest see if I don't!"
"I don't care if you did as much as fifty!" said Miss Fortune impatiently. "I won't have you here; so go, or I'll give you something to help you along."
Nancy saw she had no chance with Miss Fortune in her present humour, and went quickly out. A little while after, Ellen was standing at the window, from which, through the shed window, she had a view of the chip-yard, and there she saw Nancy lingering still, walking round and round in a circle, and kicking the snow with her feet in a discontented fashion.
"I am very glad she isn't going to be here," thought Ellen. "But, poor thing! I dare say she is very much disappointed. And how sorry she will feel going back all that long, long way home! What if I should get her leave to stay? wouldn't it be a fine way of returning good for evil? But, O dear! I don't want her here! But that's no matter "
The next minute, Mr. Van Brunt was half startled by Ellen's hand on his shoulder, and the softest of whispers in his ear. He looked up, very much surprised.
"Why, do you want her?" said he, likewise in a low tone.
"No," said Ellen, "but I know I should feel very sorry if I was in her place."